Storm fans erupt as LJ returns to Seattle

• Seattle Storm and Australian Opals legend Lauren Jackson returned to Seattle for Sue Bird's statue unveiling
• Jackson won two WNBA championships with the Storm and three WNBA MVP awards
• She has her No.15 jersey retired by the Seattle Storm

Australian Basketball GOAT Lauren Jackson is back in Seattle to support her former Storm teammate and fellow all-time great Sue Bird at her statue unveiling.

Bird becomes the first WNBA player to be honoured with a statue outside her home team’s arena with the bronze monument unveiled before the Storms’ game against the Phoenix Mercury at Climate Pledge Arena.

This recognition places Bird amongst Seattle’s best, joining baseball legends, Ken Griffey Jr, Edgar Martinez and Ichiro Suzukii as well as basketball great Lenny Wilkens. Bird becomes the first female athlete in Seattle to receive the honour.

Bird’s remarkable career spanned 20 years at the professional level, retiring as the WNBA’s all-time leader in games played, minutes and assists while also being named a 13-time All-Star.

Jackson and Bird won 172 regular season games together for the Storm and are the only two jerseys retired by the franchise. As a duo they won two championships for the city of Seattle in 2004 and 2010, becoming the city’s most successful professional sports team. Bird went on to win two more titles in 2018 and 2020 after Jackson retired.

Bird’s playmaking consistently found Jackson in optimal scoring positions, making the duo one of the toughest to guard against in league history.

Jackson said at the statue presentation, “this statue is certainly a testament to the commitment and dedication you consistently show up… you make this world a better place.”

“It’s only right you’re immortalised because your legacy extends far beyond the court.”

The Storm currently sit in 8th on the WNBA standings with a 17-18 record. They continue their fight for a playoff spot when they play the Chicago Sky on Wednesday.