Shootaround with the Storm's Lauren Jackson

Lauren Jackson chats with Seattle Times Sports Editor Don Shelton by e-mail about taking an injured teammate to the hospital and her fear of snakes and heights.

Q: You drove teammate Abby Bishop to the hospital Monday after she was injured in practice. Tell me how you felt when you saw her down on the floor?

LJ: Abby is a good friend of mine and my teammate, so seeing her get hurt like that was rather upsetting, especially because she really is as tough as nails. I would definitely do that for any teammates. We are all very close friends. Whenever someone gets hurt or has to go to the hospital even for MRIs and the like, Brian (coach Brian Agler) and our trainer Tom (Spencer) are there for every visit. We have a very caring team, and it starts right from the top!

Q: I've heard you built a new house. Is it on the water in Seattle?

LJ: I wish! Nah, mate, you've got me confused with another big, redheaded Aussie!

In Australia we built a house, but that was finished a year ago. Never even a thought to build here.

Q: Is it true that you have snakes at your place in Australia? Are you afraid of them?

LJ: Hahahaha! They bask in the sun out the front of our home, but I don't go near them! My greatest fear is heights. When I say my knees literally go weak, it's true!

Q: Is that why you were the only Storm player who didn't go up to the top of the Space Needle to raise the Storm banner last week?

LJ: Hahahaha! I have a terrible fear of heights. I always have had! All my teammates are well aware of this because of what I am like in planes while we are traveling. I pity the people who have to sit near me.

Q: Congratulations on winning your third MVP. Would you have voted for yourself?

LJ: That's a hard question to answer because I am a huge fan of Cappie Pondexter, and the more film I watch of her playing, especially in the postseason, the more I am in awe of her. She is an unbelievable talent.

Q: Your mom and dad are visiting. Are they staying with you again?

LJ: Oh, yes, they are here and they are staying with me. They really are awesome! Mum has cooked every night since they have been here, but tonight they are having a "romantic" dinner for two at the Space Needle. I will not be attending due to my fear! It's hard to imagine romance after 33 years of marriage, but good on 'em, I say.

My cleaner came today so they got some time off from house duties. lol. They treat me like I'm still their little baby, yes, but I have to say that I enjoy it!

Q: Brian Agler says you love to fish. True?

LJ: I have been fishing my entire life. We fish in lakes, in the ocean, in the river — wherever there is a water hole! I've got a picture of one I caught in April, right before I came over here (from Australia). I fought hard to reel that baby in!

Q: One of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll's mottos is "Win forever!" What's the Storm's motto?

LJ: "Win forever" is a good one. I like that. Life would be so perfect if we could pull that off every game. For us, I would say "No regrets" and maybe "Living in each moment." I'm not really good for inspirational quotes. That's the coaches' job.

Q: What's your prediction on the WNBA Finals?

LJ: I'm not guessing. Atlanta's a very good team, and I think that we are both going to push each other to the limits. It's going to be a hard-fought battle, and I know that both teams will leave everything they have out there.

Q: My wife and I are going to our first Storm game of the season Tuesday. What should we expect?

LJ: It is going to be very loud, so bring ear muffs, preferably green-and-yellow ones. But for you, Don, pink will do just fine! Joking! I would say just enjoy the experience. It is so easy to get caught up in the atmosphere and the energy in that building. Ahhhh, KeyArena, I LOVE YOU!

Q: How loud was it on Sunday?

LJ: Oh, it was so loud. You can't even hear yourself think. It really is amazing. Our fans are so passionate, and it resonates with us and what we do on the floor. We barely won on Sunday, and aside from the fact we have the best point guard (Sue Bird) in the world, who knocks down game-winning shots effortlessly, the crowd got us over the line. So a BIG, FAT THANK YOU! to all the Storm fans and to Seattle. You've made our dreams a reality. Tuesday is going to be fun.