Lauren Elizabeth Jackson, born on May 11, 1981, in Albury, New South Wales, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players in history.
A former professional athlete, Jackson’s career spanned multiple continents and leagues, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Known by nicknames such as Loz, Jacko and LJ, she rose to prominence through her exceptional talent, towering 6-foot-5 frame, and relentless competitive spirit.
She began playing at four and, by her teens, was a standout prodigy, eventually earning a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) at 14.
Her journey took her from the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) in Australia to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in the United States, and even to international leagues in Europe and Asia, cementing her status as a global icon.
Siblings
Lauren has a younger brother, Ross Jackson.
While Lauren followed in her parents’ footsteps to pursue basketball with extraordinary success, Ross has maintained a lower public profile.
Unlike his sister, Ross did not pursue a career in professional basketball or sports in the spotlight.
However, he briefly entered the public eye in 2012 due to an unusual incident in Albury.
According to reports, Ross was linked to a local political prank involving the distribution of bogus flyers targeting an Albury councilor.
Career
Jackson began professionally in 1997 with the AIS in the WNBL, where she won a championship in 1999 at just 16 years old.
Her dominance in Australia led to her being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2001 WNBA Draft.
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From 2001 to 2012, Jackson became a cornerstone of the Storm, leading the team to championships in 2004 and 2010.
Known for her scoring prowess, rebounding, and defensive tenacity, she also played internationally during WNBA off-seasons, competing in Russia, Spain, Korea, and China, where she further showcased her adaptability.
With the Australian national team, the Opals, Jackson debuted in 1997 and became a five-time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2024).
She retired from basketball in 2016 due to persistent injuries, including a debilitating knee issue, but staged a remarkable comeback in 2022.
Returning to the WNBL with the Southside Flyers and rejoining the Opals, she added another chapter to her legacy before retiring again after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her career stats in the WNBA alone include 308 games, 9,958 minutes, and 2,056 field goals—ranking her among the league’s all-time greats.
Accolades
Jackson’s trophy cabinet is overflowing with accolades that reflect her extraordinary impact on basketball.
In the WNBA, she secured two championships (2004, 2010), earning Finals MVP honors in 2010, and won three league MVP awards (2003, 2007, 2010)—a feat shared by only two other players in league history.
She was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time scoring champion, and the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year.
Her versatility as a stretch-four revolutionized the game, earning her spots on the WNBA’s All-Decade Team (2006) and Top 15 Team (2011).
In the WNBL, Jackson was a seven-time champion (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2024) and four-time MVP (1999, 2000, 2003, 2004).
Internationally, she led the Opals to three Olympic silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008), two bronze medals (2012, 2024), and a World Championship gold in 2006.
Her individual brilliance was recognized with inductions into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (2019), the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2020), and the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2021)—making her the first Australian to receive the latter honor.
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