5 Reasons Why Los Angeles Lakers Should Sign Derek Fisher Next Year
Los Angeles Lakers Should Sign Derek Fisher Next Year
Kobe Bryant was promoting health and fitness while in Dubai when he mentioned that he would like the Los Angeles Lakers to sign Derek Fisher next year.
“My all-time favorite teammate has always been Derek Fisher,” said Bryant, according to ProBasketballTalk’s Kurt Helin. “He’s been my favorite teammate. I would love to see him back in a Lakers uniform so we could kind of finish out together."
Fisher signed a one-year minimum contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2013-14 Season. And according to ESPN L.A., Fisher’s planning to retire after this season, which will be his 18th in the NBA.
Fisher hasn’t officially announced his retirement. He has, however, announced his quest for a sixth NBA Championship. Which is why he decided to wear No. 6 for the Thunder.
But if Fisher and the Thunder fail to win an NBA Title this season, would Fisher consider playing one last season with the Lakers?
The Lakers have loads of cap space in 2014. And as they make their bids for LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and other superstars, the Lakers could assemble a championship-caliber team. Should the Lakers offer him a spot on the roster, Fisher would have a chance of winning that sixth ring.
But the Lakers may be unconvinced Fisher’s even worth an offer. His performance with the Thunder, although filled with enthusiasm, nonetheless proved he had lost his defensive prowess, his shooting abilities and pretty much everything else that involves athleticism.
And yet, Fisher still has a lot to offer the Lakers.
Lucas Rubio is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @PlayerzLeague.
5. Experience
Yes, Fisher’s 39 years old. Which means he's also slow and injury-prone. But all that age has an advantage: Experience. Because lest we forget, Fisher also has five championships with the Lakers. And he could help lead the Lakers to his sixth.
4. Team Morale
There’s a reason why Bryant calls Fisher his favorite teammate of all time. Team morale could help everyone on the Lakers play up to their potential.
3. Three-Pointers
Fisher took a lot of criticism for his poor shooting with the Thunder the last few seasons. But he actually wasn’t that bad from behind the arc, averaging better than 35 percent. And in the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Fisher made almost 46 percent of his three-pointers, proving he can still knock ‘em down when the pressure’s on.
2. $
If Fisher signed for the minimum with OKC, the Lakers can get him cheap too. The Lakers should think of it as if they’re signing a really good assistant coach who can also make three-pointers for them in the playoffs.
1. Kobe Bryant
Jim Buss and the Lakers already ignored Bryant’s pleas to hire Brian Shaw as head coach and instead they hired Mike Brown. They ignored Bryant again when they hired Mike D’Antoni instead of Phil Jackson. And we know how bad that turned out. The Lakers need to start listening to their players. If Bryant wants Fish, I say sign him.
