Sparks re-sign center Lauren Cox
Lauren Cox said she really wanted to prove to the Sparks what she could do last season.
Clearly, they appreciated what she showed them, saying Tuesday that they have re-signed 23-year-old.
The 6-foot-4 center accepted a qualifying offer with the team, which initially signed her on June 30, in the midst of the 2021 WNBA season and three days after she was waived by the Indiana Fever, who’d drafted her No. 3 overall in 2020.
Cox gave the injury-depleted Sparks some much-needed size in the interior, appearing in 15 games and averaging a career-high 14 minutes. She also posted single-game career highs in points (14), rebounds (eight) and minutes played (23).
Shortly after joining the Sparks, she said she was determined to make the most of her opportunity in L.A.
“It’s really important to me,” she said. “I’m trying to make the most of it, putting in good work, working hard, just doing whatever I can to show them what I can do.”
The Texas native was a collegiate standout at Baylor, where she was a three-time All-American and part of the Bears’ 2019 NCAA championship team.
Last summer, Cox improved her player efficiency and defensive rating, as well as her rebounding percentage, and block percentage in her time with the Sparks while averaging 3.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.
“Lauren joined the Sparks midway through last season and embraced her role,” said Derek Fisher, the Sparks’ general manager and head coach in a statement. “She contributed to our team’s defensive success and provided rebounding and frontcourt depth. We’re excited to add Lauren back to our roster and for her continued development as a WNBA player.”
Welcome back LC!! @lauren_cox15 | #GOSPARKS pic.twitter.com/LUlXm5JSQB
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) January 4, 2022