This will not be Derek Fisher's first time returning to LA to face the team that drafted him in 1996. Fisher spent two of his 16 seasons in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. Every other season he has donned the purple and gold. Ironically, his return in 2005 propelled Derek to a career high 29 points. His return now after being traded to the Rockets, then bought out, and now joining the best team in the west in Oklahoma City is different.
Fisher is nearing the end of his NBA career and the move to remove him from the Lakers was purely a salary cap play. A new salary cap that Fisher, president of the NBAPA, spent the entire off season debating with NBA owners to end a lockout with a shortend 66-game schedule. Although the Lakers brought Fisher back last time he left, this feels final.
Last week after the Lakers beat the Mavs handily in Dallas I asked Andrew Bynum about not having Derek on the roster. He said he was happy the he ended up with a contender like the Thunder and how fitting it would be for Derek to hit the big shot to win a playoff series over the Lakers. Well all know that is very possible with Fisher's history of hitting the big shots.
Kobe echoed the same sentiment, but with his competitive bravado intact. "I'm happy for him...but he better not try to guard me. I'm sure he will put an elbow in my back, but that's just the type of competitor he is." He went on to say that his return to LA would be "emotional". Fans will respond with emotion as well. Lamar Odom's return came with a standing ovation from Laker Nation, Fisher should be the same.
More importantly for the Lakers is to get the win regardless of who is on the court for the Thunder.
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