The Los Angeles Sparks are struggling to gain defensive traction 10 games into the 2026 season, ranking last in the WNBA with 93.0 points allowed per game and a 115.6 defensive rating. Head coach Lynne Roberts, who joined the team to bolster offensive efficiency and player development, now faces mounting pressure to overhaul rotations as the team continues to underperform on the defensive end.
Why are the Sparks struggling defensively?
Despite significant offseason personnel changes, the Sparks have failed to improve their defensive output. According to team metrics, the Sparks currently sit at the bottom of the league in defensive rating. This follows a previous season where the team also struggled, giving up 88.2 points per game and posting a 110.7 defensive rating.
Veteran additions Ariel Atkins and Nneka Ogwumike, who boast a combined 12 All-Defensive team selections, have not yet stabilized the unit. Dearica Hamby noted after a loss to the Dallas Wings that the team’s issues stem from a breakdown in basic fundamentals rather than complex scheme failures.
Cameron Brink currently ranks sixth in the WNBA in shot-blocking, averaging 1.5 blocks per game. However, her impact is often offset by foul trouble, as she averages four fouls per game, a trend that mirrors her 2024 rookie performance.
What changes might Lynne Roberts implement?
Head coach Lynne Roberts has signaled that lineup and rotation shifts are imminent if defensive execution does not sharpen. During a pregame press conference prior to facing the Portland Fire, Roberts stated, “That’s the stage we’re at. That’s where we’re at, so stay tuned.”
One tactical adjustment under consideration is a “big” lineup featuring the trio of Nneka Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby, and Cameron Brink. While Roberts clarified that she does not have immediate plans to deploy this frontcourt configuration, she confirmed she is not opposed to the idea as the season progresses.
How does the team plan to fix these issues?
Roberts attributes the current defensive lapses to a lack of consistent discipline. She emphasized that the team is not attempting overly complex schemes, but rather failing to execute the basics on every possession.
“We have to have discipline to just execute the scheme, what we’re trying to do. We do it sometimes, we don’t do it the next time,” Roberts said. She remains confident that the locker room maintains the resolve necessary to improve, noting that the team is choosing to “grind and fix it” rather than dwell on frustration.
When evaluating defensive consistency, look for teams that force “contested long twos” and “guarded threes.” As Roberts noted, the goal is to make opponents work for every shot, even if it doesn’t result in a total defensive stop on every play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sparks’ biggest defensive issue?
The team is currently last in the WNBA in defensive metrics, including points allowed (93.0 per game) and defensive rating (115.6).
Is the team using a new defensive coach?
Yes, the Sparks added defensive coach Ebony Hoffman to the staff during the offseason as part of their efforts to improve on that end of the floor.
Will there be lineup changes?
Lynne Roberts has indicated that rotation changes are on the horizon if defensive execution does not improve, potentially including a larger lineup featuring Ogwumike, Hamby, and Brink.
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