For the first time since 2020, the Los Angeles Sparks are eyeing the postseason again. How? It’s all thanks to bold moves this offseason. The biggest one was swiping none other than Las Vegas Aces point guard Kelsey Plum and picking up Sarah Ashlee Barker in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Now, with a brand-new core starring Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Barker, LA’s roster just went from under construction to straight-up dangerous.
And while the city might be new for KP, one face on the squad is anything but unfamiliar. Yes, we’re talking about Dearica Hamby. Both Plum and Hamby go way back. They both were drafted by the Aces (then San Antonio Stars) and played together from 2017 onwards.
Plum, the No. 1 pick that year, instantly clicked with Hamby, and from there, it was vibes all around. From winning a championship to pulling pranks, these two were tight. So when both of them ended up in LA this year, it wasn’t just a roster update, it was a reunion.
But not to forget, Hamby’s exit from Vegas was far from cheerful. After playing a major role in the Aces’ 2022 championship, she was shockingly traded and what followed made headlines. Hamby called out the organization, claiming they treated her in an “unprofessional and unethical way” due to her pregnancy.
Kelsey Plum put this out on her instagram after Dearica Hamby was traded from the Las Vegas Aces to the Los Angeles Sparks pic.twitter.com/yMbe7nEj98
— AllThingsWNBA (@AllThingsWNBA) January 22, 2023
And while that was all going down, Plum had her friend’s back, calling Hamby “my sister, my friend, my teammate… just an amazing human being.” Her own departure from Vegas, meanwhile, was more of a strategic shuffle than personal fallout. Fast-forward to now, and things are starting to heal. On Straight to Cam with Sydel Curry-Lee and Cameron Brink, Hamby opened up about her and Plum’s emotional move.
“Leaving Vegas was hard for both of us,” she said, adding that she’s excited to rebuild their bond in LA. So, going forward, we might just see those playful off-court moments again. Just like this one hilarious memory Hamby spilled recently. Back when they were teammates, Plum used to take Hamby’s daughter, Amaya, on dates just so Hamby could sneak off to brunch.
Ans Hamby had her location shared with KP, and one time while she was at brunch, Plum legit showed up and just started throwing water balloons at her. Yes, in the middle of a restaurant. Even better…Amaya helped her do it. That’s how close they were. And now that they’re back together, Sparks fans are about to witness some sisterhood.
On the court, the reunion is even more exciting. Plum’s explosive scoring and sharp playmaking with Hamby’s gritty defense and hustle is a recipe for success. And Plum joining the Sparks also makes LA way more appealing for future free agents. After finishing 8–20 last season, this team suddenly looks very postseason-worthy. Add returning players like Odyssey Sims, Azura Stevens, and Aari McDonald into the mix.
Meanwhile, Coach Lynn Roberts is happy about another new addition.
Kelsey Plum’s Sparks welcomes coach Roberts’ favorite
After going undrafted, Alyssa Ustby signed with the Sparks as a free agent. From not hearing her name on draft night to inking a contract within 24 hours, Ustby is more tha grateful for this opportunity. “I’ve always been a kid that just needs a chance,” she said. And LA just gave her exactly that.
Now here’s the backstory. Ustby played five record-breaking seasons at UNC. Despite being unranked coming out of high school, she became the Tar Heels’ all-time leading rebounder with 1,251 boards. Last year, she even led the ACC in defensive rebounds per game (7.64!).
And Coach Roberts tried recruiting her once before, back when she was at Utah. It didn’t work out. But fate brought them back together, and Roberts couldn’t be happier. “She ended up telling us no, but I’ve always just been a big fan, and got to know her family really well,” Roberts said.
Oct 22, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes head coach Lynne Roberts talks to media during the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
“What I loved about her then is what I still love about her now, is she’s just a competitor, and her rebounding is elite,” said the coach, “She’s one of the best athletes in the country. So we’re happy to have her.”
There’s something about Ustby that feels like a steal. She’s focused on recovery, locked in on improving her game, and she’s hungry. With her college career ending in a tough Sweet 16 loss to Duke, Ustby’s been putting in the work, ready for whatever came next. And what came next was LA, a team ready to start something new.
Hope we will see Ustby rocking its jersey too if she makes the roster!
The post Kelsey Plum’s Antics Exposed as Dearica Hamby Weighs in About Mutual Emotions on Leaving Las Vegas Aces appeared first on EssentiallySports.
