The Los Angeles Sparks are a Women's National Basketball Association team that was formed in 1997, being one of the teams that participated in the league's inaugural game. They play at the Staples Center.

Uniform

Golden with purple lines on the side at home, with the name Sparks written across in purple. Green with purple lines on the side on the road, with the name Sparks in purple.

Playoff history

Playoff Appearances: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Conference Championships: 2001, 2002, 2003

WNBA Championships: 2001, 2002

History

The Sparks lost to the New York Liberty in the WNBA's inaugural game. Sparks player Penny Toler scored the league's first two points with a lay-up in that game. The Sparks had what many considered to be a disappointing season in 1997, finishing with a record of 14-14, thanks to a loss to the Phoenix Mercury in the final game of the season, which eliminated the Sparks from playoff contention. In 1998, the Sparks finished only 12-18, missing the playoffs once more. They earned playoff berths with the help of Lisa Leslie in 1999 and 2000 (with records of 20-12 and a league-best 28-4, respectively), but their hopes ended in frustration those years, particularly when they got eliminated by the Houston Comets.

In 2001, former Los Angeles Lakers player Michael Cooper coached the Sparks to their first championship, after the Sparks were able to finally eliminate the Comets in the playoffs, and beat the Charlotte Sting for the championship. In 2002, Leslie became the first woman to dunk in the league, and the Sparks returned to the WNBA Finals, beating the New York Liberty to become back to back champions. They returned to the Finals in 2003, but lost to the Detroit Shock in three games.

The 2004 season marked a season of transition for the Sparks. They signed two standout players, Tamika Whitmore and Teresa Weatherspoon, who had played for their rival team the New York Liberty. In addition, their coach Michael Cooper left midseason seeking a coaching job in the NBA. While the Sparks finished the season with one of the league's best records in the regular season, they were eliminated in the first round by the Sacramento Monarchs.

Hall of Famers

Not To Be Forgotten

• DeLisha Milton-Jones
• Penny Toler , now the Sparks' General Manager

Current stars

• Tamecka Dixon
• Chamique Holdsclaw
• Lisa Leslie
• Mwale Mabika
• Teresa Weatherspoon

Coaches and others

Head Coaches:

• Linda Sharp (1997)
• Julie Rosseau (1997-1998)
• Orlando Wooldrige (1998-1999)
• Michael Cooper (1999-2004)
• Karleen Thompson and Ryan Weisenberg (assistant coaches under Michael Cooper, took over mid-season 2004)
• Henry Bibby (2005 - Present)

External links

• Sparks website