Phoenix Mercury fans will undoubtedly be disappointed to hear that two-time WNBA MVP, Lauren Jackson, has decided to re-sign with the Seattle Storm for the 2009 season. Details of the length of the contract and finances have not been disclosed.

Announced on Seattle Storm’s official website, Brian Agler (Head Coach) stated, “Lauren is a key to our team’s success and we’re thrilled she has decided to continue her career in Seattle. She’s an MVP, an All-Star and one of the best women’s basketball players in the world. Her renewed commitment to this organization is a big asset as we continue to work toward bringing another WNBA championship to the city of Seattle.”

Jackson was the WNBA MVP in 2003 and 2007 and holds career averages of 19.4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1.6 assists per game.  As was reported here on Fanster’s Mercury Community, coach Corey Gaines and GM Ann Meyers-Drysdale were in hot pursuit of Jackson in the off-season with Gaines even visiting Lauren overseas in an attempt to lure Jackson to Phoenix.

During the presser for the Mercury’s drafting of DeWanna Bonner, we had a chance to catch up with Corey Gaines to discuss updates regarding Jackson’s potential decision (around the 4:55 mark) and get his thoughts on where the Mercury stood.  Essentially, Gaines stated Lauren’s decision was between the Mercury and her 2008 team, the Storm.  Needless to say, at the time, the Mercury organization was positive and hopeful that Jackson could be a member of the Mercury during the 2009 season.

So, what does this mean for the Mercury?

With the addition of DeWanna Bonner, they still have an incredibly talented team.  The off-season signings of Temeka Johnson and shooting specialist Laurie Koehn will surely prove that much more important to compliment Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter.  This will also mean that center Tangela Smith will need to come up big for the Mercury in the 2009 season. Sure, Jackson would’ve helped this team, but this certainly doesn’t take them out of contention for the 2009 WNBA title by any means.

Check back to the Mercury Community for further updates as they become available.

May 4th, 2009 6:34 PM