Los Angeles Sparks trade center Jantel Lavender to Chicago Sky in exchange for a 2020 second round draft pick

Release from the Sparks:

The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired a 2020 second round draft pick from the Chicago Sky in exchange for center Jantel Lavender, Sparks Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced today.

“I’d like to thank Jantel Lavender for her contributions to the Sparks organization,” Toler said. “We wish Jantel nothing but the best as she moves forward with her WNBA career.”

The Sparks begin the regular season Sunday, May 26 at the Las Vegas Aces and then return to Los Angeles for the home opener on Friday, May 31 against the Connecticut Sun.

From Chicago Sky general manager and head coach James Wade:

“We thought it was important to add another veteran to our core, especially a player that has championship experience like Jantel does,” Wade said. “I’ve coached against Jantel for a number of years in playoff series and I have always valued her skillset. She’s a player that helps make teams better and bring players together, so we value her for who she is off the floor just as much as we do on the floor.”

In her eight seasons with Los Angeles, Lavender posted career averages of 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, while shooting 81.4 percent from the free throw line.