The Los Angeles Sparks face a major setback after star guard Kelsey Plum suffered a lower left leg injury. This injury will keep her out indefinitely. Team officials announced that medical staff will re-evaluate Plum in four weeks. Based on that timeline, she will likely miss at least the next 10 games.
The injury comes at a difficult time for the Sparks. They have relied heavily on Plum’s offensive production throughout the season. The veteran guard currently ranks among the WNBA’s leading scorers and playmakers. Therefore, her absence is a significant challenge for the team’s playoff aspirations.
As stated by the Sparks, Plum suffered the injury after experiencing several health issues this season. These issues included missing multiple games due to a right ankle sprain. The Sparks have stated that the medical staff will continue to monitor the player. In particular, they want to determine her estimated return date.
This year, Plum has averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. Plum’s production has contributed to Los Angeles’ competitiveness. However, they have struggled in games when Plum has missed. Coming into the announcement, the Sparks have an 8-8 record. While losing games without the star guard in the lineup, they have still posted an overall losing record.
With a busy stretch of the season ahead, the Sparks will need other players to step up and help make up for the absence of one of the league’s best guards as she recovers. The team has plans to receive additional help from their other “role” players to help them out while they are missing one of the league’s best guards, who is recovering from an injury.
The injury also raises questions about whether she will be able to participate in the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend and other events in the future, although the team is optimistic. However, team officials have not provided a clear return date and will instead assess her condition again at the four-week mark.
For now, the Sparks must move forward without one of their most important players. Team officials emphasized that Plum’s health remains the priority as she begins the recovery process and works toward returning to the court later this season.