Lauren Jackson credits global Tesla chair Robyn Denholm for helping her find her fire in retirement

What do you do next when your career as Australia’s basketball GOAT is over? It’s a question Lauren Jackson found challenging and only solved after inspiration from the boss of a global car giant.

Lauren Jackson didn’t think she’d struggle in retirement, but when the wave of uncertainty hit she credits Tesla’s global chair Robyn Denholm for providing the direction she desperately needed.

Jackson officially hung up the sneakers in February, bringing to an end a 27-year legendary basketball career that would rank as one of the greatest in Aussie hoops history.

Deep down ‘LJ’ always knew the day to ride off into sunset was coming – but after repeated comebacks she thought the transition would be smooth because her itch had been scratched and the timing felt right.

But in the weeks after retiring, Jackson slumped into a state of sadness that she didn’t see coming.

“I had a bit of a comedown, which I was surprised (with) because I didn’t think I would have one after the Paris Olympics,” Jackson told Code Sports.

“I think knowing that I had my kids, work and everything to get into straight away that it was going to be a little bit easier.

“I thought it (retiring) would be a bit of a walk in the park, but it absolutely was not.

“It is just so typical of me to think that everything was going to be fine and to underestimate the impact of the past four years.”

Lauren Jackson drives towards the basket at the Paris Olympics.

Just when Jackson felt like a major mental crash was coming, she received a timely boost working as a Special Adviser for the WNBL alongside Denholm – the league’s new co-owner with NBL boss Larry Kestelman.

As one of Australia’s most successful businesswomen – assessed at $952 million in net worth – Robyn’s rise to prominence from starting out as a Sydney accountant is quite the story.

On top of her ownership with the WNBL and Hoops Capital (Sydney Kings and Flames), she holds the prestigious role as Tesla’s Chair, as chosen by one of the world’s most wealthy people in American businessman Elon Musk.

She has also been the Telstra CFO during her decorated business career.

Denholm’s proven success has given her a presence, which according to Jackson, lifted the basketball GOAT out of her post retirement rut.

“The opportunity to work alongside Robyn has really inspired me,” she said.

“I love that I get to rub shoulders and listen to everything she has to say – she is an incredible woman.

“She is remarkable and I think for me the opportunity to really throw things off her to learn and have those discussions that are open and honest about where I want to go and how she got to where she is today.

“She is a fantastic businesswomen and her story is incredible and I feel very honoured to work alongside her.”

Robyn Denholm.

Denholm – who has special memories of sitting courtside in America to watch Jackson play WNBA for the Seattle Storm – was blown away when told about the legendary Aussie baller’s praise for her.

The new WNBL head honcho has long been a fan of ‘LJ’, as a player and person, so she says it’s special to help the basketball legend in her time of need.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Denholm said.

“Lauren is one of the greats, not just in basketball but in the way she carries herself, with resilience, integrity and honesty.

“She’s the kind of person who brings people with her, and it’s been a privilege to support her as she’s found new purpose and direction beyond playing. “Seeing her channel her strength and experience into leadership and business is powerful.

“That transition isn’t always easy, and she’s doing it – once again showing others by leading the way.”

Denholm believes Jackson’s stellar global career played a vital role in lifting women’s sport in Australia.

It’s why she says it was “absolutely critical” to have the girl from Albury involved in the WNBL’s bright new era.

“Lauren is a trailblazer in every sense,” she said.

“Her knowledge of the game, her connection to fans, and her lived experience navigating elite sport are all assets to the business of basketball. Like many elite athletes, she brings the mindset needed to succeed. She’s already making a real contribution to the WNBL’s next chapter, and I know she’ll continue to shape the future of the sport.”

Lauren Jackson celebrates what was then her finals Opals game in 2022. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.

Jackson has vowed to dedicate her life post hoops to helping females excel on the basketball stage.

She says it’s her “legacy piece” to the sport that has given her so much and now she wants to return a lifetime of favours.

“Absolutely, I think the most important piece of my career is what I’m going to be doing off the court,” she said.

“I was really fortunate and privileged to have the profile that I had from basketball and to use it in a way that is promoting and profiling the sport.

“It’s also about showing the kids what opportunities there are.

“There are so many different pathways in our sport to play, lead and influence and it’s incredible and I get to be involved in creating programs and pathways.

“I get to make a difference to kids’ lives through basketball – why would I want to do anything different.”

Jackson influencing the next generation of Aussie basketballers isn’t new.

In 2022, she launched ‘She Hoops’, a free platform backed by the Federal Government that creates a community for women in basketball to connect, learn and develop.

This week, Jackson was a co-face of the NBA’s Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore alongside Sacramento King Domantas Sabonis and Chinese Hall of Famer Yao Ming.

She patrolled the sidelines as a WNBA rep passing on her tips to the next generation stars, including players from Australian high schools in Flinders College and Berwick College.

“I was asked if I would like to be an ambassador and representative for the WNBA and I said, ‘absolutely’ because it is such an exciting pathway opportunity,” Jackson said.

“I take my ambassador roles very seriously. The sport has given me so much in my life, so being able to give back and get out in the community and do things like this is important to me.”

Lauren Jackson poses with her son, Harry, after being selected for her fifth Olympic Games in Paris. Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

Jackson’s vision is for the WNBL to return to its mantle as the “premier women’s sporting league in Australia”.

She would like to see the league expand into Brisbane and the Gold Coast, especially ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

“The WNBL rebrand is super exciting,” she said. “I’ve been so passionate about it for many years. I played in the league, worked in it and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

“The rebrand is fantastic and I don’t there are two people better placed to lead the WNBL into this new era than Larry Kestelman and Robyn.

“They both bring such unique perspectives and skills, but they both have the right passion and vision.

“It’s a really exciting time.”

Denholm is also confident the WNBL can reclaim its place as Australia’s premier women’s competition.

“Without a doubt – we have the athletes, the coaches, the pathways and the passion,” Denholm said.

“What’s needed now is leadership, strong partnerships and a clear vision and we have that in people like Lauren. The WNBL will be a global leader in women’s sport, and I believe we’re entering a new era that will deliver exactly that.”

An X-ray of Lauren Jackson's half knee replacement.

Jackson – who has only just started running again following a knee replacement and surgery on her foot in May — reaffirmed she has officially retired.

She stressed there will be no Johnny Farnham type comebacks, outside of a potential midweek social appearance once the stadium upgrade in Albury is finished.

“It’s all about the kids now – they need me and I need them,” she said.

“And helping basketball grow to become the sport it deserves to be – that makes me happy.”