Los Angeles at Golden State

New Los Angeles coach Lynne Roberts comes from the college ranks and is doing a terrific job in Utah. She's good at identifying matches, preaching high-value shots, and the 3-pointer. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker should fit in, the ninth overall pick, a strong 3-point shooter, and an excellent defender beyond the arc. In addition, three-time WNBA All-Star guard Kelsey Plum joins the team, averaging 20.2, 18.7, and 17.8 points the last three years with Las Vegas. She has close ties to Los Angeles forward Dearica Hamby, with the two winning a title in Las Vegas in 2022. The 6-3 Hambry averaged 17.3 points and 9.2 boards with the Sparks in 2024. The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008. The frontcourt looks like a weak spot with Kayla Thornton (5.5 ppg), Monique Billings (4.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), and Temi Fagbenle (6.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Play Los Angeles.