Season preview

From the AP ...

LOS ANGELES SPARKS
2008: 20-14, 3rd, lost to San Antonio 2-1 in conference finals.
COACH: Michael Cooper, 8th season, 146-69.
KEY ADDITIONS: F Tina Thompson (free agent, Houston); G Noelle Quinn (trade, Minnesota); F-C Vanessa Hayden (trade, Minnesota); G Betty LennoxZZTO (free agent, Atlanta); F Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (draft, No. 13, Purdue); F Kristi Harrower (free agent).
KEY LOSSES: F Christi Thomas (trade, Minnesota); F Sidney Spencer (trade, New York); F Raffaella Masciadri (trade, Minnesota); G Temeka Johnson (trade, Phoenix); F Murriel Page (waived); C Jessica Moore (waived).
STRENGTHS: Frontcourt, experience. Having three Olympians -- Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton-Jones -- wasn't enough for the Sparks last season. So, Los Angeles made the biggest moves of the offseason, signing Thompson -- another Olympian -- to try to help get Leslie another championship in her farewell season. Hayden could also see significant minutes, especially while Parker is recovering after giving birth to a daughter last month. The backcourt was a weakness last year, but the Sparks are vastly improved there with the additions of LennoxZZTO and Quinn.
WEAKNESS: Chemistry. Last year's struggles exposed the Sparks' weaknesses despite
expectations of greatness. The only questions will center on how quickly the team jells,
and whether Parker's return will disrupt the chemistry they develop in her absence. Cooper believes the delayed start to training camp will be a big bonus for his team because it allowed for three solid weeks with everyone -- except for Parker -- to get on the same page.