Derek Fisher to Rockets: Did the Lakers Just Trade Their Soul for the Future?

Los Angeles chose to part ways with their longtime point guard Derek Fisher at the deadline, sending him and a first-round pick to Houston in exchange for Jordan Hill. While moving the fan favorite Fisher must come as a heart-wrenching reality for Lakers fans across the nation, it was the right move going forward for the storied franchise.

Derek Fisher might have been the heart and soul of the organization, but the 37-year-old’s on-court skills are rapidly declining. While Fisher still possesses a solid jumper and deep-ball, he had become a liability in the Laker backcourt as he continues to age.

Fisher’s numbers have steadily declined over the past few years, but his 5.9 points and 3.3 assists per game this season were his lowest totals since the '90s. He has struggled on the defensive end of the ball for quite some time now, as he had trouble keep opposing point guards in front of him and was often times forced to guard the opposing team’s two.

Fisher’s been slotted as the Lakers' starting point guard for the past five seasons, including the team’s last two world championships. He was effective running former head coach Phil Jackson’s triangle, but found himself lost at times in current head coach Mike Brown’s offense.

Brown’s offense utilizes the pick-and-roll prolifically, and Fisher’s deteriorating athleticism made it more and more difficult to be successful running this type of system. With the Lakers moving to acquire point guard Ramon Sessions at the deadline, Fisher became expendable.

Jordan Hill gives the Lakers much-needed help off the bench with his rebounding ability, and he is a solid shot blocker as far as defense goes. The former first-round pick should play a key role for the Lakers in the final stretch of the season.

And while Los Angeles will certainly miss the veteran leadership and nostalgia of seeing the veteran run the floor at Staples Center, moving Fisher was inherently the best decision for the franchise as they look to make another run at the NBA Finals.

Sessions is a pick-and-roll specialist, having played for Brown in 2010 when he was head coach of the Cavaliers. He’s familiar with the system and should be an instant hit in L.A. Paired along Kobe Bryant and breakout star center Andrew Bynum, the Lakers will be truly formidable on the offensive side of the ball.

Losing an iconic member of your franchise is always tough, especially after the herculean effort this offseason by Fisher in ending the NBA lockout. However, it was Fisher’s time to go, and Los Angeles has to be happy about the moves they made for the future.