LOS ANGELES (AP) -- All-Star Candace Parker is staying with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The WNBA team announced Wednesday that it signed the forward to a multiyear contract extension.

Parker averaged 18.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 17 games last season before missing 15 games because of a right knee injury.

Sparks general manager Penny Toler says Parker is healthy and will be a critical part of the team. Toler says the Sparks "have a loaded team and we expect to win now."

Parker will be playing for new coach Carol Ross this season. The team recently chose Stanford star Nnemkadi Ogwumike with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft.

Parker, who is currently playing in Russia, will be part of the U.S. women's team at the London Olympics.