When one thinks about the Los Angeles Sparks, one of the first names that come to mind is former Most Valuable Player winner Candace Parker. As it turns out, however, the 34-year-old has called time on her tenure with the Sparks, as Parker has decided to join her hometown team, the Chicago Sky.

This report comes via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

Former WNBA MVP Candace Parker has committed to play for the Chicago Sky after 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, sources told ESPN.

This comes as a bit of surprise considering how Parker is widely considered as a cornerstone player for the Sparks. Since being drafted as the first overall pick in 2008, the 6-foot-4 forward/center has spent her entire career in Los Angeles. This decorated tenure resulted in no less than five All-Star appearances for Parker as well as a Defensive Player of the Year award, two regular-season MVP awards, and a WNBA title in 2016.

ESPN's report also states that the Sparks did their best to try and convince Candace Parker to remain in L.A., but in the end, her decision to join the Sky was motivated by her desire to come home and to play where she grew up as she enters the twilight of her career.

Parker holds career averages of 16.9 points (on 48.2 percent shooting), 8.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks. She is undeniably one of the greatest players in Sparks franchise history, and she will be dearly missed by the L.A. faithful.

It is worth noting, however, that with Parker making her way out, another big name has reportedly decided to remain with the Sparks. 6-foot-7 forward Nneka Ogwumike, a free agent this offseason, has reportedly agreed to an extension with the team:

This is certainly a welcome development for the Sparks, who will look to contend for another title this coming season. Needless to say, Ogwumike's decision to stay on board will also soften the blow of losing Candace Parker.