Los Angeles Sparks Superstar Kelsey Plum Out for At Least Four Weeks

 

After competing in just 12 of the Los Angeles Sparks' 16 games this season, Kelsey Plum had already experienced minor setbacks due to injury. The team has now announced that the 4x All-Star will be out for at least four weeks with a lower left leg injury.

A Strong Start for Plum Comes to a Pause

Even though she has already missed a few games, Kelsey Plum still sits at second in the league for points per game, averaging 23.9. Although their record may not show it completely, Plum and the LA Sparks have had a commendable start to the season as they are currently 8-8 (.500). Such a record has come with some thrilling wins lead by Plum, but also some tough losses. Earlier this month, on June 13, 2026, the Sparks took on the Phoenix Mercury in a fight to the finish. It was in this matchup with the Mercury that Kelsey Plum would create a new career high of 43 points on 14/26 shooting, accompanied by 7 assists. This standout performance by Plum was just enough to put LA over Phoenix's Kahleah Copper who also had a 40-bomb. Not to mention the Sparks won this game in overtime, 111-102. It is through early resilient victories like this that the Sparks looked hopeful with a big thanks to Plum for her leadership and ability to make things work. In addition to Plum's individual success, the way she had positively uplifted her team in times like this had also been enough to turn heads in early MVP talks. Despite currently being one of the most underrated scorers in the W, seeing Plum's name at number two in points per game was just enough to stir the pot as many thought A'ja Wilson already had MVP in the bag just 1/4 of the way into the season. Although this extended absence will likely be a significant blow to her shot at MVP this year, could a strong return keep her in the running for such a coveted title/award?

The Impact of Plum's Absence

There's no way around it, the loss of Kelsey Plum for the next month or so will impact the Los Angeles Sparks more than we want to confess. Even before the season started, the Sparks had taken a new form within the roster due to players in free agency departing and even trades. Three notable changes were Azura Stevens leaving to sign with the Chicago Sky, the Sparks traded Rickea Jackson to the Sky for Ariel Atkins, and promising guard Sarah Ashlee Barker was selected by the Portland Fire in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft. With these things in mind, the Sparks already had a new look with finding chemistry as a top priority coming into the 2026 season. A big factor into said chemistry that the Sparks had formed was Kelsey Plum. Their lead point guard, Plum served as LA's floor general, setting the offense and even helping the team regroup when needed. The Sparks were already low on guards entering the season and with the absence of Plum, star forwards Dearica Hamby and Nneka Ogwumike must make it work. Alongside this need for the frontcourt to excel, LA's shooting guards that were often seen playing off the facilitating of Plum, Rae Burrell and Ariel Atkins, must also find their new role within the team at this time. Considering that the Sparks still have several stars and experienced veterans on the squad, not only should they be able to make do, but also get some wins in the coming weeks.

Would Could Step Up to Fill the Void?

Erica Wheeler

One of LA's only options to temporarily fill Plum's spot in the lineup is with veteran guard, Erica Wheeler. In her twelfth season in the WNBA, Wheeler has already been the Sparks' go-to in Plum's previous 4 absences. A small 5'7" guard, Wheeler is not only a similar size to Plum, but also similar in confidence. Given that Wheeler is typically seen as a pass-first guard whereas Plum is a score-first guard, the Sparks' offense will be shaken up a bit due to their differences. That said, with Wheeler's veteran experience as well as composure while under pressure, Head Coach Lynne Roberts can be confident that she can trust Wheeler in this crucial time.

Kate Martin

On the surface, one may not consider Kate Martin as one to fill the huge shoes of Kelsey Plum, especially considering that she is on a Developmental Contract. Although Martin has played 10/12 of her available games under this contract, perhaps the Sparks could sign her to a standard contract if they saw it necessary to waive another player to make room for such. Considering that the Sparks are low on experienced guards, Martin is going on her third season in the W which exceeds that of any other point guard on the team besides Wheeler. Another option that the Sparks have is to request a hardship exception from the WNBA. If the WNBA were to grant the Sparks an available hardship contract, they could sign Martin to it, then allowing her to play in more games until Plum's return. Although Los Angeles has multiple roster/contract options, promoting Kate Martin is one possibility that could gain traction.