Sparks Coach Says Monique Akoa Makani Could Become Starter Soon
Newsweek · C · trust 45/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Newly acquired guard Monique Akoa Makani is on track to secure a starting spot on the Los Angeles Sparks this season.
Akoa Makani made her debut with the Sparks on Wednesday against the Chicago Sky after the Phoenix Mercury traded her to Los Angeles on Sunday. In addition to Akoa Makani, the Sparks received a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round draft pick in exchange for veteran Kelsey Plum.
Two games into her career with the Sparks, second-year coach Lynne Roberts said Akoa Makani could become a starter in the future.
“It’s certainly an option,” Roberts said, per the Orange County Register .
In her first two games with Los Angeles, Akoa Makani has played as a reserve. She scored seven points and logged one rebound and an assist in 19 minutes against the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday.
“Just her defense, whether it’s off-ball or on-ball,” Roberts said of Akoa Makani. “I said it after the game, but every team has their own verbiage and vernacular. It’s different from the other team, and she’s come in and picked it up quick, which speaks to her intelligence.”
Third-year forward Cameron Brink said Akoa Makani is a great leader for the Sparks. Akoa Makani is only in her second season in the WNBA but she played professionally in France for several years and was a 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team selection.
“A lot of leadership,” Brink continued. “Wisdom. (Monique) has really great energy. She’s a great teammate already, so we’re super happy to have her.”
Akoa Makani helped ASVEL Féminin win the 2019 Ligue Féminine de Basketball title. She also was a 2023 French LF2 champion and was named the 2025 French League Guard of the Year, First Team and All-Defensive Team selection.
“To be a great team, you have to be able to trust that you can rely on every teammate,” Akoa Makani said. “Also, that they want to make you better and serve you. My mentality coming into this team is definitely for them to know that I’m here to serve. Whatever they need from me to be able to win games, I will be able to do that no matter what.”
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