The Los Angeles Sparks announced Tuesday morning that the team had agreed to a "contract divorce" with starting center Liz Cambage. It was first reported that Cambage wanted out of L.A. by Khristina Williams, and now it's been made official that the two sides will part ways.
"It is with support that we share Liz Cambage's decision to terminate her contract with the organization," Sparks Managing Partner Eric Holoman said in a statement. "We want what's best for Liz and have agreed to part ways amicably. The Sparks remain excited about our core group and are focused on our run towards a 2022 playoff berth."
It's unclear at this time exactly why Cambage has chosen to terminate her contract with the Sparks, but it is just the latest bump in the road in what has been a rocky season for L.A. Back in June, the team parted ways with head coach Derek Fisher after three seasons with the team, and now Cambage, who was a prized free-agent signing during the offseason is leaving the franchise.
Cambage has experienced an uncharacteristic season with the Sparks, averaging 13 points and 6.4 rebounds, both of which are the lowest of her career since her rookie season. The 6-foot-8 center wasn't named an All-Star for only the second time in her career, and experienced a dip in efficiency as well.
When Cambage was introduced as a member of the Sparks back in February, she said "There was nowhere else I wanted to be," and that it was "L.A. or out" for where she would play next. So it's surprising to see her abruptly exit in her first season with the team.
Prior to her time with the Sparks, the four-time All-Star played for the Las Vegas Aces, Dallas Wings and Tulsa Shock. She sat out the 2020 season when the WNBA played in a bubble in Florida due to COVID-19 concerns.
While this isn't ideal for the Sparks heading into the stretch run of the regular season, the team is still in position to earn a playoff berth after missing the postseason last year. The Sparks have a 12-15 record, good for sixth in the league, but only a half-game separates them and the ninth-placed Phoenix Mercury who are on the outside looking in of the playoff picture. The Sparks will have nine games remaining to try to solidify their spot in the postseason, starting with a matchup against the Mercury on Thursday night on CBS Sports Network.
