THE career of Albury sporting icon Lauren Jackson could be over after yet more knee surgery.
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The basketball legend is set to be released from the final months of her landmark $1 million deal at WNBL club, the Canberra Capitals, with her future now in limbo.
Fairfax Media believes the four-time Olympian, who has a stadium in Albury named in her honour, still wants to play for Australia in August at the Olympics in Rio, Brazil.
Jackson, who was unavailable for comment on Thursday, was spotted in Albury over the Christmas period on crutches.
News of Jackson’s latest injury development was met with disappointment by Border basketball identities Carl Iverson, Paul Gooding and Jim Wilson.
“She’s worked damn hard to try and get to Rio and everybody is very proud of what she’s done,” Iverson said.
“She was very determined what she wanted to achieve and she has definitely put Albury on the map with her sport.
“I believe it was her mother that developed Lauren as a player.
“Maree put in a lot of work with her and then she went to the AIS and she’s gone on in leaps and bounds.”
Gooding said it would be a sad day for basketball when Jackson retires.
“She’s not only put Albury on the map, but also women’s basketball,” Gooding said.
“To have someone of Lauren’s ability come out of Albury has put focus on the city.”
Wilson, the current coach of the Lady Bandits, said Jackson would always remain a role model.
“It will be a sad day when she does retire but the main thing for her now is life after basketball,” Wilson said.
“She will always be a role model for the local kids.”
Jackson will stay in Canberra to continue her rehabilitation after her 10th knee operation in two years.
She will also have to manage arthritis in her knee for the rest of her life after playing through pain to train and play for at least the past five years.
Basketball Australia is likely to release a statement next week about Jackson's future.
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