Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press file
Indiana Fever forward Jantel Lavender, left, tries to pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Sparks forward Nia Coffey during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Los Angeles. The chance to stay home this winter and work on her craft and get paid was appealing to Indiana Fever center Jantel Lavender. The fifth pick in the 2011 draft is one of five WNBA players who are joining the newly formed Athletes Unlimited basketball league that’s starting this winter. Lavender usually goes overseas after her WNBA season ends.