LOS ANGELES, CA – This has been an offseason of turnover for the Los Angeles Sparks losing All-Stars Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray in free agency. However, Derek Fisher in his newly appointed role as GM made sure guard/forward Brittney Sykes stayed in with the team.
The Sparks re-signed Sykes aka “Slim” to a new deal after a productive 2020 season averaging 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals on 49 percent shooting. Sykes started 15 of the 22 games she played in last season and was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team.
“We’re really happy Brittney Sykes is choosing to remain a key part of the LA Sparks family,” Fisher said. “Brittney brings tremendous energy to the game of basketball and to our organization. She’s shown an ability throughout her career to be a two-way perimeter player that puts her stamp on the game in several ways.”
It wasn’t just her tenacious, physical defense that made her a key piece to the Sparks. She clearly displayed an impact on both ends of the floor that was sparked by her energy, speed, and intensity.
In addition to all of those positive qualities, Sykes will also bring leadership to this squad that has now lost two of their top players and leaders in Parker and Gray.
“I look forward to seeing them again, it’s going to be in a different jersey but at the same time it’s always good to see them,” Sykes said of the departed Parker and Gray.
“I’m in the mindset of staying ready so I don’t have to get ready,” Sykes said of being more of a leader on the Sparks. “Whatever plate I have to step up to, then so be it. I’m going to take it, I’m a competitor. I look forward to it, whatever it may be.”
Sykes’ energy and defense will set a tone every night and now she has an opportunity to not only lead with her play but with her voice as well. That will definitely be needed this season for the Sparks.
