Ask an NBA fan about Derek Fisher and you’ll likely get one of two extreme answers. He’s either a knowledgeable veteran that knows how to hit big shots in the most clutch of situations, who uses his savvy and experience to lead championship teams, or he’s an aging player who’s lost his defensive acumen and only occasionally is able to make significant plays.
With the Lakers signing Steve Blake, there are going to be questions about Fisher’s future. The common consensus is that he’s no longer fit to be a starting point guard. Then again, they said the same thing last year, and he again performed admirably in the playoffs. Fisher certainly thinks he’s worth not only a spot, but the money that goes a long with it, according to one report.
ESPN LA reports that Fisher’s initial talks with LA did not go well enough for an offer to be made, and that Fisher may not accept the rumored $2.5 million the Lakers are allegedly offering. More interesting still, the report lists the Cavs and Heat as two teams interested in signing Fisher if he elects to pursue the finish of his career elsewhere.
Cleveland would be an odd choice, with Mo Williams as the primary starter, but the Cavs did need a legit backup point guard during the playoffs. The Heat, on the other hand, would take a refrigerator box that could dribble if it meant not having to rely on Mario Chalmers. Obviously, the decisions of the Big 3 free agents (James, Wade, Bosh) will impact those teams’ needs, but it does put a plan forth that could see Fisher not finishing his career as a Laker.
Still, we’ve heard these talks before, and the same thing always happens. The player agrees to return to LA, because they know it’s their best chance of a championship, and the cache that comes with being a Laker is too great to pass up. But right now at least, the issue of Fish is up in the air.
