May 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) is greeted by guard Julie Allemand (left) and center Mercedes Russell (21) during player introductions before the game against the Chicago Sky at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sparks Announce Massive Lineup Change Ahead of June Opener

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 6:15 PM ET

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.

Julie gets her first start for the Sparks tonight! pic.twitter.com/PBADXJXNz4
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 1, 2025

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.

Almost showtime. @UCLAHealth pic.twitter.com/ytjNRTSIyS
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 1, 2025

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 Sparks' first two games of 2025 due to injury, Allemand has impressed in limited time through LA's last five contests.

Julie for three! pic.twitter.com/Jl7MlxAbXc
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 31, 2025

Allemand logged four points, four rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes for the Sparks' in last Sunday's 91-78 win over the Chicago Sky, as well as another efficient six point, four rebound and four assist outing on 2-for-3 shooting against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday.

“I’m really doing well,” Allemand said in a recent episode ofThe Next Hoop's Locked on Women's Basketball Podcast, on her adjustment to life in Los Angeles. “It’s not easy to start a new season and to be injured, you know, especially when it’s like new staff, new players.

"So I was happy to at least be there, and like to try to get to know my teammates and my step," she added.

Allemand joins Odyssey Sims, Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens in Los Angeles' starting five against the Mercury on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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