Lauren Cox is headed to Los Angeles.
Three days after getting waived by the Indiana Fever, the team that drafted her third overall in 2020, Cox has signed with the Sparks for the rest of the season, the team announced Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 center didn’t have much time to make her case with the Fever, playing in just 25 games over two seasons and averaging 8.6 minutes per game this year.
Cox previously was a standout player at Baylor, leading the Bears to a national championship in 2019 and winning Big 12 Player of the Year in 2020.
“We’re excited to add Lauren Cox to our organization,” Sparks coach and general manager Derek Fisher said in a press release. “Lauren delivered on the biggest stage in college as an efficient scorer, skilled passer, and tenacious rebounder for one of the nation’s most accomplished programs. We believe in her potential to be an impact player in this league and look forward to welcoming her to the Sparks family.”
In the midst of the roster shuffling, the Sparks also terminated Karlie Samuelson’s hardship contract, reportedly with the intention of re-signing the forward.
Sources: Sparks are finalizing a deal with 2020 No. 3 pick Lauren Cox for the remainder of the season. Sparks also plan to bring back Karlie Samuelson tomorrow and terminated her today to make cap room for both. Pending physical, Cox could be available tomorrow.— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) June 29, 2021
Sources: Sparks are finalizing a deal with 2020 No. 3 pick Lauren Cox for the remainder of the season. Sparks also plan to bring back Karlie Samuelson tomorrow and terminated her today to make cap room for both. Pending physical, Cox could be available tomorrow.