by Ryan Semanko

Amanda Lassiter was a happy person back in April when it was announced that the veteran forward was traded from the Seattle Storm to the Minnesota Lynx. The move gave Lassiter an opportunity to play in a system that better suited her style of play.

"I was happy just because even though I have never played for Suzie and the rest of the coaches, they know what I can do, and they are giving me the opportunity to do what I can do," Lassiter said.

The 25-year-old has been showing Minnesota fans what she can do by being a regular in the Lynx' lineup since day one. Lassiter scored eight points with a season-high three steals in the Lynx' 20-point comeback win vs. Phoenix on July 9. She ranks 14th in the WNBA in three-point field goal percentage at .370. In her last 15 games, though, she has improved that to .464 (13-for-28). Lassiter has come off the bench in the last 10 games after starting the first 12 games of the season. The fourth-year veteran scored her 500th career point July 11 vs. Sacramento.

Lassiter has given the team a much-needed defensive presence — someone who can guard opposing scorers on a nightly basis. The Lynx have also given her more of an opportunity to score, which was something she didn't do much in Seattle.

"Things weren't as I wanted them to be in Seattle, so coming here and getting a new start was good," she said. "I was happy because I didn't have to guard Katie Smith anymore except in practice, but that is nothing because I don't have to worry about her getting 40 points." The feeling is mutual from Smith, who names Lassiter as one of the top defenders in the league.

Playing with big-name veteran players like Smith and Teresa Edwards has been a thrill for Lassiter since her first practice with the Lynx. "To play with somebody like Teresa and with someone like Katie — who have played in the Olympics — is great," she said.

The Lynx are hoping that with the addition of players like Lassiter, the team can build on last year's success. The chances of a championship in Minnesota have been increased thanks to players like Lassiter — a hard-working player with a great attitude.

Lynx Links
Lassiter photo gallery
Lassiter's WNBA.com playerfile
Get to know Amanda Lassiter
April 15: Lynx acquire Lassiter from Seattle
2004 Lynx features archive