<text>  From Russia With Love may be the name of a popular James Bond film, but it could also be used to describe the experience basketball superstar Lauren Jackson had when playing for Spartak Moscow and taken under the wing of the clubs controversial millionaire owner Shabtai von Kalmanovic. In fact the James Bond similarities dont end there as Von Kalmanovic was an ex-KGB spy turned businessman who had spent five and a half years in an Israeli prison after he was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. From 2007 to 2009 Jackson played for Spartak on a multi-million dollar contract. Her loving benefactor would also shower the Australian basketball player with expensive gifts and get her everything she could wish for. Scroll down for video . Australias Lauren Jackson left is one of the worlds best female basketball players . Jackson was Australias flag-bearer at the 2012 London Olympics . But her friendship with the possessive Von Kalmanovic gradually turned into an oppressive partnership. My experience there, the lifestyle, it is beyond belief to most people, Jackson told the Sunday Telegraph. From the outside she looked to be living a charmed existence with Von Kalmanovic showering Jackson with diamonds when she played well. She would fly the globe on his private jet. And that was just for starters. Shed a personal driver and lived rent-free in a luxurious six bedroom apartment. The Russian millionaire even flew in singer Kelis to help celebrate one victory. But Von Kalmanovics smothering obsessiveness took its toll. Suddenly Jackson had no control whatsoever over her life. Her Russian boss was calling all the shots. Spartak Moscow owner Shabtai von Kalmanovic and Jackson kiss the trophy as they celebrate their victory in the Euroleague Womens Final Four decider in 2008 . Moscows Red Square would have been very familiar to Jackson who lived in a rent-free luxury six bedroom apartment in the city . It seemed that it was only while playing on the basketball court that she could make her own decisions. It was a strange and at times startling period of her life. At one time Von Kalmanovics security detail started following her and other Spartak players through a local mall after a game. He was even wearing a trench coat, Jackson says. Shabtai said it was for our own protection. Von Kalmanovic would shower Jackson with expensive gifts and once bought her diamonds when she played well . The kind of world Von Kalmanovic was involved in couldnt have been made any clearer though when in November 2009 he was shot dead in Moscow, . It was a professional hit. Two men just drove up beside Von Kalmonvics luxury Mercedes and riddled the vehicle with bullets, in what The Guardian reported at the time was a classic assassins tactic. Jackson was devastated by the loss. But for all the riches that had been given to her she felt empty inside. She had a lavish lifestyle but something was missing. Now all she wanted was peace and quiet. She moved back to Canberra where she now lives the quiet life. The glitz and glamour of Russia couldnt be further away. Jackson had a personal driver in Moscow and lived rent-free in a luxurious six bedroom apartment . The 33-year-old is hoping she will be fit to play for Australia in next years Rio OIympics after being her countrys flag bearer for London 2012 . Last week the 33-year-old - who plays for the Seattle Storm in the US - had her sixth knee operation in the last 12 months, but despite this she still wants to play for Australia at next years Rio Olympics. Her shimmering record includes playing in four Olympic Games and winning three silver and one bronze medal, according to basketballaustralia. Olympic gold has remained an elusive dream. But whatever the future holds its her time living and playing in Russia that has made an indelible mark on her. And she believes she is all the better for the experience. Jackson is currently recovering from injury and has had six operations in the last 12 months . 