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LA Sparks forward Dearica Hamby had a straightforward response to a fan who criticized her recent performance, explaining that it's normal for players to have off nights.
In her last five games, Hamby averaged 11.6 points and 10.4 rebounds, shooting 41.1% from the field and 15.4% from beyond the arc.
After Hamby posted some photos on her Instagram page, a fan commented on her recent play, saying:
“You look great, but what’s going on? You’re not hooping like you’re due to.”
Hamby replied:
“Chilllllllll. That’s what averages are for. lol. I can’t have a few off games?? 🙄🙄”
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Despite this, Hamby is having her best season, averaging career highs of 18.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.8% from three.
However, despite her stellar individual performance, the LA Sparks have struggled, with a current record of 6-22.
Details of Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit against the Aces
Amid her career-best year, Dearica Hamby filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Nevada on Aug. 12. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that the Las Vegas Aces traded her to the Sparks because she announced her pregnancy shortly after signing a two-year contract extension with them in June 2022.
Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit claims that the Aces failed to honor commitments made to her, such as paying her daughter's private school tuition and providing team housing for childcare assistance during away games.
She also alleged that after disclosing her pregnancy, the Aces' treatment of her changed drastically, with increased scrutiny over her commitment to the team.
In January 2023, Hamby requested an investigation through the WNBA Players Association. The league found that the Aces violated rules regarding impermissible player benefits, resulting in the team losing its 2025 first-round draft pick and suspending coach Becky Hammon for two games without pay.
According to Hamby’s lawsuit, the way the Aces treated her after she announced her pregnancy could have wider implications for other female athletes in the league, warning that "every potential mother in the league is now on notice that childbirth could change their career prospects overnight."
Her legal team also argued that the trade caused her to miss out on promotional and endorsement opportunities, among other things.
Aces coach Becky Hammon denied Hamby's allegations, asserting that the trade was a strategic decision based on team needs, not her pregnancy.
The Aces traded Hamby, along with a first-round pick, to the Sparks in what appeared to be a salary dump, receiving only a 2024 second-round pick and the negotiating rights to forward Amanda Zahui B in return for the former Sixth Player of the Year.
Hamby gave birth to a baby boy in March 2023 and joined the Sparks' training camp the following month.
