Odyssey Sims Returns to Los Angeles for a Title Run

Odyssey Sims’ last season was a blessing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Sims proved herself as a valuable leader and playmaker.

The biggest splash this offseason for the Sparks was managing to trade for a former champion and First Team All-WNBA performer in Kelsey Plum. But the other most significant move for the franchise was their ability to keep Sims wearing a Los Angeles Sparks jersey.

Sims is a proven competitor and veteran playmaker and returns to Los Angeles for the 2025 season. The fact that Los Angeles re-signed Sims signals this team is headed for a deep playoff run and that the franchise is ready to compete at the highest level.

A Fierce Competitor Returns

Sims’ return to Los Angeles is about unfinished business. As a previous member of the Sparks in 2017, she helped the team reach the WNBA Finals. Now, as a veteran in the league, Sims brings a wealth of experience and leadership, along with her competitive nature.

Head coach Lynne Roberts is ecstatic that Sims is back wearing a Sparks jersey.

“I am a sucker for players who love to compete…the fieriness and the passion in which Odyssey plays with, I love it. Her ability to get downhill and create for herself or for kickouts…It’s awesome to have her veteran point guard leadership.”

As for Sims, she shares the same sentiment and understands where this franchise is headed.

“I felt the love from day 1 when I got there to the end of the season…[this year] we’ll be in the playoffs. With the team that we have, I’m just happy that I could be a part of it. Looking forward to a very fun and winning season.”

The Backcourt Dynamic: A Positionless Approach

The most intriguing aspect of Sims’ return to the Sparks is her role. The Sparks will have an evolving backcourt this season. With Kelsey Plum already slated to start at the point guard position, Los Angeles will have to shift its strategy a bit.

Instead, Coach Roberts is already planning ahead. Roberts stated that the Sparks will be playing a more free-flowing, positionless style of basketball. This will ensure that their five best players are on the court, and all will have the ability to score. There will be multiple guards serving as primary ball handlers and decision-makers.

“It’s positionless in a sense that the point guard will bring it up all the time. It’s a little more free-flowing…I think basketball is a players game…These guys are pros and are really, really good. I think when you have options, I think they can all play together…they’re all going to play and it’s a little more fulfilling in that regard. It’s a luxury to have depth in those guard spots,” Roberts explained.

Having a player like Sims on the floor, with her ability to create off the dribble, mixing it with Plum’s scoring ability, makes for a dynamic backcourt duo, and the two could be dangerous together. The Sparks also have a deep rotation of capable guards, giving them the flexibility to adjust matchups, push the tempo, and keep defenses guessing with their versatility.

General Manager Reegan Pebley, who has been instrumental in creating this roster, emphasized the importance of balancing scoring and defense, ensuring the team has both the firepower to outscore opponents and the discipline to lock down defensively when needed.

“Continuing to add to our culture, and making sure we were bringing in pieces that would enhance our backcourt…we wanted to make sure we have scorers everywhere on the floor.”

Sims does more than just check all of those boxes. She’s not only a playmaker—she’s a two-way force, bringing relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Her ability to control the pace, create for her teammates, and apply defensive pressure makes her an invaluable asset to the Sparks’ backcourt.

“[odyssey sims is] Very clear in that she has a job to do in her role and lead in the best way she knows how. We love the way she can score but we love the way she can play defense in that role,” Pebley added.

A New WNBA Landscape

Sims understands that the landscape in the WNBA has changed. This offseason alone has brought a wave of roster moves, coaching changes, and rising talent, making the competition even tougher. The league has ramped up to another level. Sims is fully aware of how much things have evolved in the past few seasons. However, she’s more than ready for the challenge.

“Everything all around is continuing to grow. This year free agency in the W is very spicy. A lot of teams making a lot of moves we didn’t expect. This year’s going to be a great year for every team. I think it’ll be way more competitive..it’s going to be a battle..we’re excited to get to work.”

Sims understands that the landscape in the WNBA has changed. This offseason alone has brought a wave of roster moves, coaching changes, and rising talent, making the competition even tougher. The league has ramped up to another level, and Sims is fully aware of just how much things have evolved in the past few years. She knows that to thrive in this new era, adaptability and relentless effort are key. With her experience, skillset, and determination, she’s more than ready to embrace the challenge and make an impact.