Lauren Jackson IS Australia's greatest player

There is no better resume in Australian basketball history — men or women — than Lauren Jackson's.

She is Australia's greatest basketballer of all-time. And it's not even close.

At 196cm (6'5" in the old scale), Jackson could do it all on both ends of the floor. She dominated the WNBA for a decade while at the same time wreaked havoc on the WNBL. Wedged into the middle of that decade of dominance was her leading role in the Australian Opals winning their first World Championship in 2006.

Key Details

Full Name: Lauren Elizabeth Jackson
Date of Birth: May 11, 1981
Place of Birth: Albury, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality: Australian
Height: 6'5" (1.96m)
Position: Forward / Center

Now, spend a lazy 1.47 mins watching Jackson's career highlights at the Seattle Storm and you will see for yourself why she is the GOAT.

Lauren Jackson's basketball resume

WNBL

• 7× WNBL champion (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2024)
• 4× WNBL MVP (1999, 2000, 2003, 2004)
• 4× WNBL Grand Final MVP (2002, 2003, 2006, 2010)
• 6× WNBL All-Star Five (1999–2004)

WNBA

• 2× WNBA champion (2004, 2010)
• 3× WNBA MVP (2003, 2007, 2010)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2010)
• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
• 7× All-WNBA First Team (2003–2007, 2009, 2010)
• All-WNBA Second Team (2008)
• 7× WNBA All-Star (2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2009)
• 3× WNBA scoring champion (2003, 2004, 2007)
• WNBA rebounding champion (2007)
• 2× All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2009)
• 3× All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2008, 2010)
• 3× 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 — the first in the team's history.
  

Other accolades

• NBL1 East champion (2022)
• NBL1 East MVP (2022)
• 3× EuroLeague champion (2008, 2009, 2012)
• Spanish League champion (2012)
• 2× Russian League champion (2007, 2008)
• Korean League MVP (2007)
• Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (2019)

Lauren Jackson is the ultimate winner: Seven WNBL championships; two WNBA championships; three EuroLeague championships; Spanish League champion; and two Russian League championships.

Fifteen titles, it means Jackson won a title on average almost every year of her career. Not only is she a winner, she was also the best player on the floor: Four WNBL MVPs; three WNBA MVPs; Seven All-WNBA First Team selections; four WNBL Grand Final MVPs; WNBA Defensive Player of the Year; and a dozen other individual awards.

I had the privilege of coaching against Jackson, well past her prime, in 2024 in NBL1. Even in her early 40s, Jackson dominated. "Awe" is the best way to describe watching her go to work, shooting towering 15-foot fade aways out of the post, blocking shots and grabbing boards. A few months later, she played for the Opals at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Here are six reasons why Jackson is the GOAT:

1. Dominance on the International Stage

Jackson was pivotal in transforming the Australian Opals into a world powerhouse. She led Australia to its first World Championship gold in 2006 and was instrumental in securing multiple Olympic medals (three silvers and one bronze), often matching up against the world’s top players.

2. Trailblazer in the WNBA

Jackson was not only one of the first Australian players to make a significant impact in the WNBA, but she became one of the league's all-time greats. She won three WNBA MVP awards (2003, 2007, 2010) and led the Seattle Storm to two championships (2004, 2010). Her ability to dominate as both a scorer and defender earned her immense respect across the league and a spot in the WNBA Hall of Fame.

3. Unmatched Skill and Versatility

Standing at 6'5", Jackson possessed a unique blend of size, agility, and skill. She could score in the post, shoot from range, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. This versatility made her one of the most challenging players to guard and one of the best all-around players globally.

4. Endurance and Longevity

Despite enduring numerous injuries throughout her career, Jackson consistently performed at an elite level for almost two decades. Her resilience and dedication, even battling through injuries in her final seasons, underscore her commitment and mental toughness.

5. Inspiration and Legacy

Jackson’s influence extends beyond her own achievements. She inspired a generation of Australian players, elevating the profile of women’s basketball in Australia. Her return to the Opals in 2022 at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, after a long international retirement, demonstrated her enduring love for the game.

6. Accolades and Records

Jackson’s list of accolades is unparalleled in Australian basketball, including multiple MVP awards, championships, and scoring titles in both the WNBA and Australian leagues (WNBL). Her scoring records, defensive prowess, and leadership are cemented in Australian and international basketball history.

So what does it all mean? Lauren Jackson is Australia's greatest basketball player — men or women — of all-time and no one even comes close.

Listen to Sue Bird describe Jackson's Storm career.

‍Case Closed.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.