Over the final six weeks of the season we’ll examine each player on the Lakers’ roster and discuss what their contributions will mean during the playoffs as the Lakers aim for a three-peat. We’ll cover one starter each week and then discuss the bench unit collectively. Last week we looked at the ever-controversial Ron Artest, this week we’ll focus on the veteran point guard, Derek Fisher.
Fisher is a player that some Lakers fans wish would retire so a younger, quicker point guard could step into his place. It’s no secret that keeping opposing point guards out of the paint has been a crease in the Laker’s defense for the past decade. Lakers’ point guards historically have had a hard time defending the pick and roll. Fisher’s advancing age and tired legs aren’t helping his case. Even faithful Lakers fans question Fisher’s defensive ability and whether he is worthy of starting at the one.
There is no question that opposing teams target this weakness. However, Fisher is as strong as a bull and can rough up the smaller guys when he’s able to stay in front of them. Also, when he switches on screens to guard the screener, he’s able to muscle up the larger forwards. Not too many point guards in this league have that ability.
Next: Mr. Clutch
Fisher is an iron man who at 36 years of age isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He is averaging 27 minutes per game and has played in all 70 of the Lakers’ games this season. Something has to be said about consistency and Fisher is the consummate professional who practices hard and plays to his utmost abilities every night.
If you examine Fisher’s stats, nothing really seems to stand out. For the season he is averaging 6.7 points on 39.2% field goals, 2.7 assists and 1.8 rebounds – nothing to write home about. However, his biggest value on defense is drawing charges – especially in transition. They don’t keep a stat for this, but I would wager that Fisher is among the league’s leaders in charges drawn. Although he doesn’t score often, he has a penchant for hitting shots in the clutch. Sunday night for example he hit a game sealing jumper to ensure the Lakers’ victory over the Blazers. And no one can forget what he did against the Spurs in the 2004 conference finals. With the series tied at 2-2, the Spurs were about to head back to LA with a commanding 3-2 lead. With 0.4 seconds left on the clock, Fisher hit an impossible shot to reverse the Lakers’ fortunes. He has done this time and time again in his career. Again, this isn’t an official stat, but Fisher has to be in the top five among current NBA players in this area.
Beyond his on court contributions, Fisher enjoys giving back to the community and caring for the less fortunate. These values were instilled in him at a young age when he played AAU basketball. His team was a non-profit so they had to raise money for equipment and travel. At 10 years old, he realized that these people were helping him achieve his dreams. Now he is in a position to return the favor and help others reach their goals. One way he gives back to his peers is by serving as the president of the NBA player’s association. He was voted into that position in 2006 and has fulfilled that role admirably over the past five years.
He also is heavily involved in the fight against Retinoblastoma ever since his daughter Tatum was diagnosed with the disorder back in 2007. Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that targets young children and not much was known about this disease 4 years ago. However, Fisher used his prominent status as an NBA champion to raise awareness about the disease and many children’s eyesight have been saved because of the increased research. Fisher is much more than just basketball, his legacy reaches far beyond the sport.
I would argue that the two most influential players for the Lakers franchise in the past decade are Kobe and Fisher. Derek Fisher entered the league in the same draft as Kobe Bryant. The two started their careers together and have fought many battles. If there is one person on the team that Kobe trusts implicitly it is Derek Fisher. Fisher is Robin to Kobe’s Batman. Kobe knows that Fisher will always come through when it matters the most. And somehow, someway, Fisher always does – whether it be hitting a shot with under a second on the clock or drawing a charge. He’s a perennial momentum shifter. Fisher brings intangibles to this team in the form of leadership and gritty clutch performances. Expect him to be a key part in the team’s three-peat aspirations.