Seattle Storm fans, if you had fantasies featuring Lauren Jackson rejoining the team eventually and pairing up with Sue Bird to make the ultimate unstoppable force in the WNBA again—well, you are out of luck. Today Jackson announced her retirement, just one day after her visage was highlighted as one of the Storm’s top draft picks in history. Fans are beside themselves; even though she’s had some injuries and many thought that she would retire soon, there is a big difference when you hear it’s official.

Jackson, a three-time MVP, won two WNBA championships and was an 8-time all-star. She scored a whopping 6,007 points during her career as well as 2,447 rebounds. Fans are taking to the Seattle Storm Facebook page, where her career is currently being celebrated, to voice their appreciation and sorrow regarding her departure. Fans told her that she will be missed, that she is a “bloody legend” and that she’s a dominant force to be reckoned with on the court.

But perhaps the most moving tribute to Jackson was from Sue Bird herself. “As a young pro athlete you go through a lot, both on and off the court, and I can’t imagine going through it with anyone other than Lauren,” she said. “I’m not sure I have the right words to describe what today means. In many ways, Lauren’s retirement is a sad thing, but it also gives all of us a chance to reflect on what an amazing career she has had. For me, it’s a reminder of how thankful I am that I got to play alongside her… We accomplished a lot together on the court but it’s the friendship that we built off it that I’m even more thankful for. She’ll always be the best player this franchise has ever seen and one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.”

Fans also thanked Jackson for all of the incredible basketball memories she’s given them over the years and for “putting Seattle on the map,” but they also wished her well in her retirement, hoping to see more of her as a coach, announcer or something else related to the franchise. Be sure to click the link to see lots of great photos highlighting Jackson’s career and some of her most memorable moments and intense plays in the WNBA. You will be missed, Lauren, and you are indeed a basketball legend.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia