Derek Fisher to Return to the Los Angeles Lakers?

This past Tuesday, former Laker great and five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher returned to the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo, CA to take part in an informal workout session. 

According to CBS 2 News in Los Angeles, the point guard worked out with some of the newest Laker acquisitions two weeks before the the beginning of the Lakers training camp.

There is no word yet on whether or not the Lakers are interested in bringing Fisher back to Los Angeles for a third and probable final stint, but the move has sparked a lot of interest among fans. 

Fisher was among the most popular figures on the Lakers before being traded to Houston last season for forward Jordan Hill. Fisher was eventually let go by the Rockets and he signed a one-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder where he ultimately made his eighth trip to the NBA Finals.

Fisher averaged 5.6 PPG and 2.7 APG on 37 percent shooting last season as a member of the Lakers and Thunder. He did not re-sign with the Thunder this summer and is still a free agent. 

The former champion also worked out with the newly-signed Lakers point guard Steve Nash and veteran forward Antawn Jamison. Dwight Howard was not among the players involved in the workout session as the center is still recovering from back surgery.

Even if the Lakers decide to pursue him, there are a few hurdles impeding Fisher's return the the team. For starters, Lakers currently have very little salary room available for Fisher as their current roster's salary surpassed the $100 million mark with the recent signing of Howard and Nash this past summer. Additionally, because of new rules in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Fisher won't be able to sign with LA until March 15, 2013. 

Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Lakers could still afford to sign Fisher for the veteran's minimum salary, worth $1.4 million, should the they decide to re-sign the 38-year-old veteran later in the year. 

Beside the Lakers, Fisher was also in talks to sign with the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls this past summer.

However, those rumors have faded away and the 38-year-old point guard might have to wait until mid-season to sign with a team if he isn't picked up by any of the franchises mentioned above. Derek Fisher is among the oldest active players in the NBA.