Sparks' Candace Parker speaks about baby, approach on returning to team

Sparks forward Candace Parker told The Times she's "taking it by ear" before deciding to return to the Sparks lineup. 

"I've been through a lot of injuries, so I think it's about not rushing it," said Parker, who sat with the team during the Sparks' season opener against the Detroit Shock.

On May 13, Parker, who was named WNBA's most valuable player and rookie of the year at the end of last season, delivered her first child, a girl named Lailaa.  Parker is married to Shelden Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Parker described the lead-up to her delivery as "positive," saying she worked out up until three days before her delivery.

"It was taking a toll and you’re anxious to get it over with and having her here," Parker said. "But it was enjoyable. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’m excited to have her."

"You don’t know how much more you have to do when you have your own child," she said. "I never fully understood it. My mom would always tell me that."

-- Mark Medina

Photo: Sparks forward Candace Parker during the 2008 playoffs. Credit: Elaine Thompson/AP Photo.