Derek Fisher's 0.4 Second Buzzer Beater

I thought in honor of Derek Fisher signing back to the Lakers, I would post his miracle shot that beat the buzzer for the win in the 2004 NBA playoffs against the Spurs. I still remember the moment quite easily like it was yesterday.

Kobe Bryant hits a jumper to give the Lakers the lead. Then Tim Duncan hits an extremely tough shot with 0.4 seconds left to give the Spurs the one point lead. I still remember how tough it was to watch that shot go through the hoop with that little time left on the clock. But I still kept hope that the Lakers could still win the game because I have seen some crazy things happen in Laker games, and any time left on the clock meant that the Lakers still had a chance.

The last play was very nerve-wrecking to watch. The Spurs defense was all over the Lakers. Kobe, who was obviously going to be the first option with the numerous game winners and buzzer beaters he has hit, was being double teamed and couldn't get open. Fisher got open enough to catch the inbounds pass, turned and shot all in one motion with Manu Ginobili on him, and the shot dropped through the net to give the Lakers the win. Fisher went running and the Lakers went crazy, while the Spurs were deflated from the buzzer beater, and the Spurs lost the series to the Lakers 4-2. This shot is one of my top favorite memories of the Lakers, and something that I will never forget.

Free Agent And Trade Talk

Lots of Laker related free agent and trade talk going around the web. KCAL9 interviewer John Ireland says why he thinks a big trade hasn't went down yet, saying:

"They are waiting to make sure Kevin Garnett doesn't move. This isn't to suggest that Garnett will move to the Lakers, but if Minnesota decides to trade him, the Lakers want to have all of their available parts to make an offer. Remember that Garnett could leave at the end of the year, so it makes no sense for the Wolves not to move him. That could be in December, or just before the trade deadline, but I think the Lakers are smart to make sure they have a seat at that table."

Charley Rosen of Fox Sports answered a few Laker questions in his mailbag, including saying that Portland would be the best fit for Kobe if he were to get traded, and his views on trading for Kevin Garnett or Jermaine O'Neal. Said Rosen:

"Assuming they'd have to part with Odom (plus Bynum and/or Brown), obtaining Jermaine O'Neal would be a lateral move for the Lakers. He's too soft, foul- and injury-prone, empty-handed in the clutch, and reluctant to bang in the paint to be much of an improvement over Odom. Garnett is a different story. Having him play in Kobe's huge shadow would be a big plus."

Also, Hoopshype had an interview with various writers that cover the Lakers with some questions involving Garnett and O'Neal, the Kobe situation, and the Lakers front office.

Lastly, the Miami Heat have signed former Laker Smush Parker. If you're looking for a quote that is so off the wall that it's hilarious, check this out. The Palm Beach Post said, "Parker, 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, also can play shooting guard and has a reputation as a strong on-the-ball defender." Are you kidding me? I literally laughed out loud when I read that they were calling Parker a "strong on-the-ball defender". They obviously didn't watch Laker games the past two seasons.

The Latest About Fisher

Not a lot of new news going on lately about the Lakers, but there are still some articles going around of course about the Derek Fisher signing. The transcript of Derek Fisher's press conference is online, and here is a little bit of what he had to say:

"It’s extremely exciting [to be back in L.A.]. Probably just today I’m getting a chance to start to think about the basketball aspects of coming back. I’ve been a little guarded because of how many things have gone into getting here, not knowing if this moment would ever come. It’s exciting to think about working with Kobe, working alongside of him and all the guys on the team. I think this team over the last couple years even though it doesn’t maybe feel that way Mitch and the guys that have been here because of spoiling themselves and ourselves in the past as we were winning championships it doesn’t seem like there’s been a great deal to be proud about, but any team that’s made the playoffs the last couple years in the Western Conference has done a lot. The Western Conference is about as tough as it gets. The youth that Kobe and the guys have played with and battled with and all the injuries with key guys being in and out of the lineup the last two years, to still make the playoffs and be competitive in the Western Conference is phenomenal. So I’m looking forward to adding what I can add to, not feeling that I’m an answer or a solution to anything, but hopefully just adding value and depth and experience and allowing us to win a few more games so that we aren’t a 7 or 8 seed, but a 2, 3, 4 seed with home court advantage in the first round. Allowing ourselves to build momentum as he go into the playoffs."

Mitch Kupchak said: “In evaluating our team at the end of last season, we said we needed help in the back court, primarily a veteran ball-handling guard” said Kupchak. “As we began looking at free agents, we never imagined that Derek would be available. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opportunity to sign him became an option and we are pleased we were able to do so.”

Fisher also dropped by the Today Show, where he told his story about his daughter Tatum to host Matt Lauer. When asked if the decision to leave the $21 million dollars on the table was easier at this stage in his career rather than if it would have been early in his career, Fisher said:

“Probably so. I think that early in your career, when you’re trying to establish yourself, you’re trying to set up that financial security for you and your family, it’s more difficult. I think at this point in my career, and in my life, really, not just as a basketball player but as a man, more than anything — learning how to be a husband and learning how to be a father — those are the sacrifices you make for your family, and you just work it out.”

Nice story about Fisher. It's always nice to read stories about players doing good things instead of the usual things like players getting into fights, getting arrested, etc.

Three Way Deal Including Odom Fell Through

According to Yahoo Sports, a three way deal among the Lakers, Bobcats, and Nets fell through when Bobcats owner Michael Jordan pulled out of the deal. The Bobcats would have received Richard Jefferson from the Nets, the Nets would have received Lamar Odom from the Lakers, and the Lakers would have received Gerald Wallace from the Bobcats.

In my opinion, this would have been just a lateral move for every team, and it wouldn't have helped or hurt any of them. All of them have similar stats and skills, so the trade wouldn't have pushed any team over the top. From Jordan's perspective, it seems like he felt the same way and didn't want to make a trade just to make a move unless it would help his team, which is of course what any owner or GM should think about when making a trade.

It's Official: Fisher Is (Again) A Laker, Mihm Too

After being released by the Utah Jazz from his contract, Derek Fisher is returning to the Lakers. Fisher, after leaving the Jazz to find a city with better medical facilities for his daughter Tatum for treatment of a rare eye cancer, signed a 3 year contract worth $14 million according to the L.A. Times. Fisher will most likely start for the Lakers, giving them the veteran point guard that they have been looking for. He will join Kobe Bryant as the only remaining members of the 2000-2002 champions on the Lakers.

Chris Mihm will also be rejoining the Lakers, signing a $5 million dollar contract for 2 years. Mihm missed all of last season and the end of the season before that, and comes back to the Lakers after also working out with the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Regarding his ankle, Mihm said, "I did a workout for the Lakers [Thursday], about 45 minutes, went pretty hard, and the ankle feels great." The Mihm signing helps the Lakers in the post, where they had trouble last year with injuries and inconsistency.