{
  "id": 415213,
  "title": "Sparks Coach Says Monique Akoa Makani Could Become Starter Soon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/sparks-coach-says-monique-akoa-makani-could-become-starter-soon",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T21:47:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/sparks-coach-says-monique-akoa-makani-could-become-starter-soon-12301690"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Sparks guard Monique Akoa Makani is poised to take on a starting role for the team this season, according to head coach Lynne Roberts. Makani, who recently joined the Sparks following a trade from the Phoenix Mercury, made her debut with the team on Wednesday against the Chicago Sky. In her first two games with Los Angeles, Makani has played primarily as a reserve, amassing seven points, one rebound, and an assist in 38 minutes of playing time. However, Roberts noted that Akoa Makani's defensive skills have impressed her, praising her ability to play both off-ball and on-ball defense. Akoa Makani's leadership qualities have also been highlighted by teammate Cameron Brink, who praised her wisdom, great energy, and teamwork. Makani, only in her second season in the WNBA, has already made significant contributions to her previous teams, winning the 2019 Ligue Féminine de Basketball title with ASVEL Féminin and being named the 2023 French LF2 champion and the 2025 French League Guard of the Year, First Team, and All-Defensive Team selection.",
  "summary": "Newly acquired guard Monique Akoa Makani is on track to securing a starting spot on the Los Angeles Sparks this season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}