Los Angeles Sparks GM Raegan Pebley addressed criticism from Sparks fans following the recent trade involving Rickea Jackson and Ariel Atkins.

The main talking point centers on the age difference between the players, as new addition Atkins (29) is four years older than star forward Jackson (25). Pebley did her best to reveal her train of thought on this trade during a media availability on April 19.

“We care about our fans, we care about the players, we recognize this is hard on fans. We had a very clear focus on what we’re out to do in building this roster. The end goal is that we’re going to win a championship. We had to really work to just find where those fits were for us.”

It was a straight-up player swap between the Sparks and the Sky, as per ESPN's Alexa Philippou.

Jackson was a favorite among the Sparks' fans and the cornerstone of the team, carrying them forward.

She averaged 14 points and 3.6 assists over the two seasons in Los Angeles, but will now take her talents to the Sky.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Atkins will bring defensive reinforcement to the Sparks lineup.

The former WNBA champion has made five All-Defensive teams in her career, most recently earning first-team honors in 2022. She averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for Chicago last season, while shooting 44.1% from the field and 36.1% from outside the arc.

“We’re excited about Ariel, as much as Rickea is a loss, we’re really excited about Ariel Atkins and what she brings to our team on both ends of the floor,” Pebley added.

While the LA Sparks have described the trade as a "win now" move, WNBA legend and former Sparks player Candace Parker has criticized it.

Candace Parker Not Convinced Over a Straight Player Swap for Jackson

In her appearance on the "Post Moves" podcast with Aliyah Boston on Sunday, Parker admired both players' abilities but believed the Sparks were shorthanded after receiving just Atkins in the trade.

“I think Ariel Atkins fits what the Sparks are gonna do,” Parker confirmed that Atkins' playstyle will stylistically be apt for LA.

“I think Rickea Jackson is the player that you build around. She’s a straight hooper. And so, to trade her in a straight-up [player swap] with Ariel Atkins? To me — like I said, time will tell.” Parker added.

So, what do you think about this player swap situation? Will Atkins justify the trade solely on her performance or will Jackson prove the Sparks wrong while leading a rebuilding Chicago to glory next season?

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat