The Los Angeles Sparks have traded second-year guard Lisa Willis to the New York Liberty in exchange for guard Sherill Baker.

“We would like to thank Lisa Willis for all of her efforts while playing for the Sparks,” said Sparks’ General Manager Penny Toler. “We think the trade is good for both teams -- it will allow Lisa to gain more playing time in New York and Sherill Baker is a dynamic and explosive guard who I think everybody in Los Angeles will be excited to watch play.”

Baker, a 5-8 guard, was selected 12th overall by the Liberty in the 2006 WNBA Draft and averaged 7.4 points and 17.9 minutes in 34 games during her rookie season. This season, Baker has played in three games, averaging 4.3 mpg and 1.7 ppg. Baker starred at the University of Georgia, averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.7 steals, and 3.2 assists during her senior year. That same year Baker led the nation in steals with 149 and collected All-SEC First Team honors.

Willis, out of UCLA, was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft and averaged 4.6 points and 13.3 minutes in 24 games last season during her rookie year. This season, Willis has appeared in eight games and is averaging 9.6 mpg and 2.3 ppg.