All-Star forward Lauren Jackson re-signed with the Storm today.
Jackson, the team's leading scorer last season (17.6), agreed to her first multi-year contract since joining Seattle as a No. 1 overall draft pick in 2001. Terms weren't announced, but the contract should pay Jackson $91,000 this summer, which is the league maximum.
The Australian native recently helped her national team, the Opals, end Team USA's streak of 59 consecutive wins. Storm coach Anne Donovan is also coaching the U.S. squad that was filled with college players and was missing stars like guard Sue Bird due to overseas commitments. Jackson's Opals beat the U.S. in her offseason home of Canberra in the Opals World Challenge. She also won gold in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and signed a mega deal to play in South Korea after the 2006 WNBA season.
A five-year league veteran, Jackson holds career averages of 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 blocks. She was named to the WNBA All-Star Team each year the mid-season classic was played (the league didn't host an All-Star game in 2004 due to the Sumer Olympics). Jackson, who'll turn 25 on May 11, also received All-WNBA First Team honors in each of the last three seasons. In 24 career playoff appearances, Jackson has averaged 17.6 points and has shot 52.6 percent from three-point range.
"Lauren has been a cornerstone of our franchise since the day she got here and we're thrilled to keep her in a Storm uniform for years to come," said Donovan in an issued statement. "She's a proven All-Star and her renewed commitment to this organization will be a big asset as we work to bring another championship to the city of Seattle."
Donovan said Jackson should report on time to camp, which opens April 23rd. The Storm opener is May 21 against Los Angeles at KeyArena and tickets are currently on sale.
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