Candace Parker (Photo : Getty Images)
Former Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker will play for the Guangdong Dolphins in the Chinese Women's Basketball Association playoffs.
Parker will replace Belarusian center Yelena Leuchanka, who averaged 20.8 points and 13.1 rebounds in 25 games this season.
"Yelena will compete in EuroBasket qualifications for her country, so we've got to find another foreign player," Dolphins general manager Wang Jue said, reports the Shanghai Daily.
Parker, who was drafted as first overall pick by the Sparks in 2008, arrived in China on Saturday and plans to attend the team's practice session on within two days.
"Hoping that she can be of much help on our way ahead," Wang added.
The former MVP and Rookie of the Year will aid the Dolphins against the Shenyang Golden Lions in their postseason showdown, which is set on Feb. 2.
The Dolphins are coming off an 86-80 loss against Xinjiang Tianshan Deers in the third stage of round 12.
Lin Zhu and Sijing Huang combined for a total of 45 points, but was not enough to carry the Dolphins over Xinjiang led by Lin Hua, who posted 25 points and eight rebounds. Lee Wang and Ni Zhang also scored 22 and 20 apiece to help the Deers win their ninth game in the third stage of the league.
Meanwhile, the Golden Lions notched their 10th win in the third stage against the Shanxi Flame.
Shuang Zhao and Jiabao Jin each scored 16 points to help Shenyang Army to a 68-58 victory over the Flame. Jinzhu Wu was the only player in the Flame to score in double figures with 12 points.
