L.A. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kelsey Plum trade already paying dividends for Sparks

By Clark Dalton | Last updated May 26, 2025 12:19 PM ET

Guard Kelsey Plum seems rejuvenated in her first season with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 30-year-old guard — whom the Sparks acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Aces on Jan. 26 — scored 37 points in Los Angeles' season opener against the Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA record for a season opener.

Plum had another spectacular performance in a home game against the Chicago Sky on Sunday. She scored 28 points, grabbed two rebounds, tallied eight assists and went 6-of-10 from the three-point line in a 91-78 win.

She also mocked Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. After she blew by the 6-foot-3 forward on a layup early in the first quarter, Plum hit the "too small" celebration.

Plum Dawg starting early! https://t.co/wrOn1aFyGx pic.twitter.com/4YetO6yoCW
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 25, 2025

Plum has regained her mojo in Los Angeles, which she seemingly lost in her final season with Vegas.

In 38 regular-season games with the Aces in 2024, Plum averaged 17.8 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the field, the third-lowest mark of her career.

It's worth noting Plum dealt with a personal matter last season. She and former Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller filed for divorce in April 2024.

The Aces also refused to make a long-term commitment to her. Before trading her, the team offered her the core designation, similar to the franchise tag in the NFL.

Since leaving Vegas, she has seemed more focused.

"I'm hungry, and I'm just looking forward to this new chapter," Plum told Amanda Lucci of Women's Health in a story published May 21. "I've never had that opportunity to have that full leadership role, so walking into it with that mentality, I'm very excited."

The Sparks are 2-3 but should start winning more games if Plum keeps flourishing. As of Monday morning, she's second in the WNBA in scoring (24.8 PPG in five games) behind Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (29.5 PPG in four games).

If Plum continues to be the Spark's driving force, they'll look even smarter for acquiring the three-time All-Star.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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