For a team without a first-round pick, the Los Angeles Sparks sure felt like they won the 2026 WNBA Draft, at least according to part-owner Magic Johnson.

Taking to X shortly after the draft was completed, the basketball legend didn’t hold his thoughts back while praising the franchise’s selections in this event. Because Johnson believes the Sparks may have quietly pulled off one of the biggest steals of the event.

“The 2026 WNBA draft was a huge success for my Los Angeles Sparks,” Johnson wrote. “South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson was a steal in the second round… She is a first-round talent.”

I’m sure you have heard Latson’s name before. She is one of the most talked about college basketball hoopers who took the South Carolina Gamecocks to the 2025-26 NCAA season finals.

However, in the draft, she wasn’t picked until the No. 20 overall selection in the second round, which definitely raised more than a few eyebrows. However, as per Magic Johnson, this only worked in the LA Sparks’ favor, as they secured a player who averaged 20.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field goal throughout her college career.

But she wasn’t the only exciting pick for Johnson.

He also highlighted Chance Gray as another key addition, pointing to her ability to stretch the floor after shooting over 40% from beyond the arc last season.

In a league where spacing continues to evolve, that kind of shooting instantly adds value, and he sees that.

And then there’s Amelia Hassett, a 6-foot-4 forward who brings size along with elite perimeter shooting. After setting Kentucky’s single-season record for made three-pointers, she is another great addition to the Sparks roster, which is quickly becoming very modern and perimeter-oriented.

Now, put it all together, and the message from Magic Johnson is clear – the Sparks may not have made the loudest moves on draft night, but they made the right ones.

Did the Sparks just build a sleeper contender? A look at their 2026 roster

If we had to choose one word to describe the Los Angeles Sparks heading into 2026, it would be balance.

While draft night brought in exciting young talent, they have a roster built on the perfect mix of experience and explosiveness.

Let’s start with the rookies.

Ta’Niya Latson headlines the class, and if early reactions are anything to go by, she could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft, exactly what Magic Johnson claimed her to be. A proven scorer with the ability to create her own shot, Latson will make an “immediate impact” on the Sparks.

Chance Gray will bring elite perimeter shooting, while Amelia Hassett will bring size. But what makes this roster truly dangerous is what surrounds them.