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.
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