Aussie WNBA Star To Play Through Pain

BEIJING, China -- Australian Olympic basketball star Lauren Jackson will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery next week in Sydney. Jackson, who plays for the WNBA Seattle Storm, has been bothered by an ankle injury but has opted to play through her pain.

Jackson recently underwent an MRI which revealed an impingement at the front of the right ankle joint caused by wear and tear during her career.

"It's been causing pain and inflammation for some time, and I just need to have it cleared up so I can get back on the floor sooner rather than later," said Jackson.

Jackson is expected to resume her WNBA career in about 4-6 weeks. The Storm are currently 17-9 in the Western Division, a half-game game out of first place.

The star forward is the third leading scorer in the WNBA at 20.2 points per game and is averaging 17.8 points during these Olympic Games.

The Australian women's basketball team has won all six of its games, including a quarterfinal game against the Czech Republic. The Aussies face China in the semifinals on Thursday.