Storm Forward Lauren Jackson Named WNBA MVP; Storm Coach Brian Agler Named COY

As reported by the New York Times, Lauren Jackson joins recently retired Los Angeles Sparks legend Lisa Leslie and former Seattle Storm teammate Sheryl Swoopes as the only players in WNBA history to win MVP three times.

While her relationship to Swoopes might be defined by their one year playing together for the Storm in 2008 in a year with high expectations, her relationship with Leslie is more “complicated” as described by the Times:

Jackson does not yet have all of Leslie’s accolades, or seemingly as much widespread appeal among fans. But she has blossomed into the game’s best forward since Leslie’s retirement in 2009.

Leslie and Jackson have a complicated history. In 2000, Jackson once pulled out Leslie’s hair extension in the Olympic gold medal game.

In a feature about WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson, ESPN's Mechelle Voepel writes that Seattle Storm head coach Brian Agler has been named 2010 WNBA Coach of the Year.

"She's the best player," said Seattle's Brian Agler, who also will be honored Thursday night as the league's coach of the year. "Because she can do it at both ends night in and night out. "People focus so much on her offense, they don't realize how impactful she is defensively. She is really a dominant defender."

Agler was last seen awkwardly doing his version of the Stanky Legg.

Mark Viera of the New York Times confirms an earlier ESPN report that Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson will be named the 2010 WNBA MVP. Viera also provides details of the voting tabulations.

Jackson, 29, edged forward Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever and guard Cappie Pondexter of the Liberty. Jackson received 323 points from a national panel of 39 news media members, Catchings received 262 and Pondexter 207.

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A deft scorer and an aggressive defensive player, Jackson has distinguished herself as one of the best players around the lane in 10 seasons in the W.N.B.A. She can play inside and outside, averaging 20.5 points and 8.3 rebounds, both of which ranked in the league’s top 10.