Legacy in the Rafters: Candace Parker’s Big Night Shines Despite Sparks Loss
LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2025) On a night full of emotion, love, and legacy, the Los Angeles Sparks fell to the Chicago Sky, 92-85, in a game that had plenty of fight but the real spotlight came at halftime.
That’s when the Sparks honored one of the greatest to ever do it: Candace Parker.
The halftime ceremony was hosted by Sparks legend Lisa Leslie, who gave a powerful speech reflecting on Parker’s impact not just on the Sparks franchise, but on the entire WNBA. From being the only player in league history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, to bringing a championship to LA in 2016, Parker’s resume speaks for itself. But the moment was about more than stats it was about the love and admiration from fans, teammates, and the next generation of hoopers who’ve grown up watching her.
Photo Credit: Alishia Stevens
“Candace is a reminder of what this franchise has been and where it can go,” said Lisa Leslie, as Parker’s No. 3 jersey rose into the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.
Photo Credit: Alishia Stevens
Candace spoke about what LA has meant to her, calling it home, and saying how much it meant that the Sparks were the first team to retire her jersey.
“My 13 years here were special… Ups, downs, wins, losses but this franchise believed in me from day one.”
She also talked about her next chapter focusing on ownership and growing the game as President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas.
Back to the Court
Once the emotions of halftime settled, the Sparks got back to business, continuing a gritty, back and forth battle with Chicago.
Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, going a perfect 12 for 12 from the line. Her energy and playmaking kept LA in striking distance all night.
Dearica Hamby had another monster night 20 points, 10 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals marking her 47th career double-double and fifth this season. She set the tone physically and emotionally, both on the court and in the locker room, where she credited Parker for inspiring her as a mother and player.
Photo Credit: Alishia Stevens
Azurá Stevens continued her strong stretch with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, including a few clutch buckets in the second half to stop Sky runs.
And how about Emma Cannon? She was lights out off the bench 15 points on 6 of 7 shooting, going 3 for 3 from three and posting a team best +12. She gave the Sparks a huge third quarter spark during a 24-4 run that briefly gave LA the lead.
Postgame Vibes
Head Coach Lynne Roberts spoke about the team’s fight, but also about needing more consistency.
“We’ve been playing a great 30 minutes, but we have to learn how to finish games. In this league, the tougher team wins and not just physically.”
Cannon added:
“I always stay ready so I don’t have to get ready. We’re building something here we just have to take these lessons and turn them into something positive.”
Next Up
The Sparks hit the road for a tough two game stretch: first up, a showdown with the New York Liberty on Thursday, July 3 at 4 p.m. PT, followed by a trip to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Fever on Saturday, July 5.
While the Sparks came up short on the scoreboard, this night was about honoring a legend and making it clear to every fan in the building that Candace Parker’s legacy will forever live in Los Angeles. 💜💛