Li Yueru joins Los Angeles Sparks: MVP center leaves the team, she may become the new core inside!
The Los Angeles "Sparks" officially signed a contract with the Chicago Sky on February 20, Beijing time, and "The Sparks" traded one of their contracts for Li Yueru, Julie Allemand, and a 2025 third-round pick. In addition, according to the "American Basketball Network", it is reported that joining the "Spark" team this time, the team will give Li Yueru a certain opportunity to play.
The 2024 season saw a big change for the Sparks, as their perennial mainstay, 2016 MVP Enneka Ohumic, moved from the Sparks to the Seattle Storms. Ohumic helped "The Spark" win the WNBA championship in 2016. Ohumic has become the number one star of The Spark, and his other star player, Candace Parker, has also left the Spark. Ohumik's departure was the beginning of a new period for the Spark.
The Sparks, a three-time league champion, are now an underdog in the WNBA, and they haven't made the playoffs for the third year.
The Sparks have signed new contracts with Clarendon and Blair this season, bringing in legendary goalkeeper Gia Nas, as well as Ali McDonald and Monique Billings.
Due to the addition of Li Yueru, "Spark" currently has three central defenders. In addition to Li Yueru, Azula Stevens (1.98m) and Vera Keith (1.96m). Of course, there are also Billings at 1.93m and Hambby at 1.91m up front.
Li Yueru's biggest contender in midfield was last season's average score of 94,4.8 plates of Stevens. Li Yueru has a good chance to compete with her for the starting striker spot.
Regarding Li Yueru, Los Angeles Sparks manager Kurt Miller said: "Li Yueru has performed well in Turkey this season, and she will also play a big role in promoting the Olympic competition of the Chinese men's basketball team. Li Yueru's physical condition is very good, and it will bring a huge boost to the team in the future.
Li Yueru has put in a great performance in Turkey, where she has contributed an average of 18 in the Premier League this season1 point, 107 rebounds, 13 assists and 596% hit rate. She averaged 12 per game9 points, 98 rebounds and 575% of the shots finished the game. Li Yueru's outstanding performance has long attracted the attention of the World Women's Basketball Association.
Li Yueru participated in this spring's qualifying tournament, where she had a double-double of 22 points and 23 boards, including one against Puerto Rico, and also had an assist with three rebounds, and his score was +15, and his total was +38.
The Chinese men's basketball team will enter the Olympic arena in 2024, and according to the long training cycle of the Chinese men's basketball team in the WNBA, Li Yueru is likely to be called up to practice, which is likely to make Li Yueru lose Kurt Miller's position in the Sparks.