The Sparks finally clinched their first playoff berth last season and look to go even further this year under Michael Cooper, their fourth coach in as many years. Lisa Leslie has always put up big numbers, but she finally proved last season she can perform in huge games.

How well Los Angeles is able to muscle the opposition, particularly Houston, and how well its frontcourt can perform will determine its fate. DeLisha Milton will need to come close to her 53-percent shooting from last season and La'Keshia Frett must prove she has a future in the WNBA. Mwadi Mabika was a pleasant surprise last season and hopes to carry that over while backcourt mate Tamecka Dixon continues to be one of the league's rising stars. It is time for Los Angeles to show it can win big games consistently and make a formidable challenge for its first championship.

The basics

Coach: Michael Cooper, first year, former Sparks and Lakers assistant coach

1999 finish: 20-12, 2nd in Western Conference Playoffs; lost to Houston 2-1 in West finals

Arena: The Great Western Forum

Average home attendance: 7,625

Story Lines

Cooper must emphasize his trademark D to a team that finished next to last in the WNBA last season in defense, allowing 72.4 points per game.

The Sparks addressed a pair of needs in the WNBA Draft by taking Nebraska guard Nicile Kubik in the first round and center Paige Sauer in the second. Kubik can play point or shooting guard, and Sauer adds more size to help the Sparks contend with league power Houston.

Players to watch

Lisa Leslie: One of the WNBA's top players. Has ranked among the league's top 10 in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots all three seasons.

DeLisha Milton: The second-year player is one of the league's fastest-rising stars. Milton shot 53 percent from the floor as a rookie, but she could be an even bigger asset defensively.

Games to watch

June 11 at Sacramento, noon: L.A.'s Lisa Leslie vs. Sacremento's Yolanda Griffith for California bragging rights.

June 25 at New York, 1 p.m.: L.A.'s new D gets taste of the Big Apple.

July 29 vs. Houston, 4 p.m.: Sparks try to get over the hump known as Houston

What you didn't know

While the Los Angeles Lakers moved into the new Staples Center this season, the Sparks will still play their games in The Forum. WNBA teams are required to play in the same arena as their NBA parent team, but the Staples Center was not available for the Sparks entire season because the Democratic National Convention is being held there in August.

Sports Ticker contributed to this report.

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