Sparks Announce Massive Lineup Change Ahead of June Opener

Los Angeles Sparks' guard Rae Burrell and forward Cameron Brink remain out on Sunday with right and left knee injuries, respectively. Furthermore, Rickea Jackson is out due to personal reasons. Jackson returned to game action on May 27, her first appearance since entering concussion protocol on May 18 — following an injury suffered in the Sparks' home-opener against Minnesota. The star forward was held scoreless with one rebound in 12 minutes against the Atlanta Dream last Tuesday. Sparks' guard Julie Allemand will start in Sunday's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, as announced per a team release prior to the June opener. It marks Allemand's first career start for the purple and gold. Allemand returns to the United States after being traded to Los Angeles from Chicago, along with Li Yueru and a 2025 third-round draft pick. Prior to this season, her last WNBA appearance came in 2022 for the Sky — in which she averaged three points, 1.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in 25 contests. After missing the Sp