Australian Superstar Profile: Lauren Jackson

• 7-time WNBA All-Star and 3-time WNBA Most Valuable Player (2003, 2007, 2010)
• 2-time WNBA Champion (2004, 2010) and WNBA Finals MVP (2010)
• First non-American and youngest player to win WNBA MVP at age 22

Lauren Jackson is one of the most accomplished and dominant players in basketball history, owning the power forward position in WNBA, WNBL and internationally with her versatile inside-outside game.

Lauren Jackson's WNBA career spanned from 2001 to 2012, all with the Seattle Storm. The Australian superstar was one of the league's most prolific scorers and rebounders, winning three MVP awards and leading Seattle to two championships. Her combination of size, skill and competitiveness made her nearly unstoppable at her peak.

Career snapshot

Jackson entered the WNBA in 2001 as the #1 overall draft pick by Seattle. She made an immediate impact, averaging 15.2 points as a rookie. By her third season in 2003, Jackson claimed her first MVP award after averaging 21.2 points and 9.3 rebounds. She would go on to win MVP honours again in 2007 and 2010.

Her best statistical season came in 2007, when she averaged a career-high 23.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Jackson led the Storm to WNBA titles in 2004 and 2010, earning Finals MVP honours for the latter championship run.

Career Accomplishments

• 7-time WNBL champion (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2024)
• 4-time WNBL MVP (1999, 2000, 2003, 2004)
• 4-time WNBL Grand Final MVP (2002, 2003, 2006, 2010)
• 6-time WNBL All-Star Five (1999–2004)
• 2-time WNBA champion (2004, 2010)
• 3-time WNBA MVP (2003, 2007, 2010)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2010)
• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
• 7-time All-WNBA First Team (2003–2007, 2009, 2010)
• All-WNBA Second Team (2008)
• 7-time WNBA All-Star (2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2009)
• 3-time WNBA scoring champion (2003, 2004, 2007)
• WNBA rebounding champion (2007)
• 2-time All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2009)
• 3-time All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2008, 2010)
• 3-time WNBA Peak Performer (2003, 2004, 2007)
• WNBA 10th Anniversary Team (2006)
• WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
• WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
• WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
• No. 15 retired by Seattle Storm

Playing style

At 6'5", Jackson had the size to dominate in the post but also the shooting touch to stretch defences. She could score from anywhere on the court, whether backing down defenders on the low block or stepping out to hit three-pointers. Jackson was also an elite rebounder and shot-blocker, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

Her competitive fire and intensity made her one of the toughest matchups in WNBA history. Jackson played through numerous injuries throughout her career, showcasing her toughness and will to win.

Why Lauren Jackson is on our list

Jackson's peak years from 2003-2010 represent one of the most dominant stretches by any player in WNBA history. She was the focal point of a championship team and perennial contender in Seattle. Her three MVP awards are tied for the most all-time.

Statistically, Jackson ranks among the WNBA's all-time leaders in several categories despite playing just 12 seasons. She's 7th in total points (6,007), 9th in rebounds (2,447), and 3rd in blocks (586).

Beyond the numbers, Jackson changed the game with her versatile skillset as a frontcourt player. She paved the way for future stretch-fours and helped grow the WNBA's international popularity.

Five Fast Facts

1. First international player to be drafted #1 overall in the WNBA
2. Seven-time WNBA All-Star (2001-2003, 2005-2007, 2009)
3. Named to the WNBA's All-Decade Team in 2006
4. Holds WNBA record for points in a season with 739 in 2007
5. Her #15 jersey was retired by the Seattle Storm in 2016

Career Highlights Timeline

2001: Selected #1 overall by Seattle Storm, named to All-Star team as a rookie

2003: Wins first WNBA MVP award at age 22

2004: Leads Storm to first WNBA Championship

2007: Wins second MVP award, sets WNBA record with 47 points in a game

2010: Captures third MVP award and second WNBA title, earning Finals MVP honours

2011: Named one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time

2016: Retires as Seattle's all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks

Lauren Jackson's combination of individual dominance and team success places her among the greatest players in WNBA history.

Her international background and versatile playing style helped expand the league's global appeal and push the boundaries of what frontcourt players could do on the court.