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Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson is working hard in Seattle on rehabilitating her surgically-repaired right ankle. With training camp approaching quickly, Jackson is working out at The Furtado Center, the Sonics and Storm's training facility. She's also been spotted at KeyArena in the unfamiliar role of spectator, watching the Sonics work towards a Northwest Division Championship. Before a recent game, storm.wnba.com caught up with Jackson to get an update.

Storm.wnba.com: How is your rehab going?
Jackson: Really good. I'm working out every day. I'm doing cardio still. I'm going to leave that and focus more on getting my ankle right at the moment and then I should be ready for training camp.

"I love being back here. It's a great city, obviously, and I just enjoy it here so much." Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

Will you be 100% for the start of training camp?
Well, maybe not 100%, but close to it, yeah.

Are you getting the itch to get back on the court?
Very much. I can't wait. I'm really excited to get out there and start playing.

How is Seattle treating you since your return?
I love it. I love being back here. It's a great city, obviously, and I just enjoy it here so much. I have a lot of great friends, so it's fun.

You've become a bit of a fixture at Sonics games. What do you think of their chances in the playoffs?
I think they're doing great. Hopefully they win; I think that they can definitely do it. Tonight's going to be a good game to watch. We'll see. I hope they go all the way. I'm sure they can.

You've been wearing the Danny Fortson jersey regularly. Is there a reason behind that?
Yeah, he is my favorite. He's good.

Since you last spoke to the media, Suzy Batkovic signed with the Storm. How exciting will it be to team with her?
Really exciting. Suzy's one of my real good friends, so it will be good to have her here. Just to hang out with her, it will be fun.

What kind of a role did you play in convincing her to come to the WNBA?
Oh, I'd say a little bit. Not much.

Will it be nice having a new teammate who you've spent so much time playing with already?
Definitely. Suzy will make up, I think, some of what Kamila (Vodichkova) provided. It will be good to play with her too. I love Suzy. I love playing with her. You're right, we know each other's games really well, so it should be fun.

What do you know about new Storm teammate Iziane Castro Marques from international play?
I'm not real familiar with her game, but I have played against her a couple of times. She's a really athletic player.