NBA Trade Deadline 2012: Why Derek Fisher Deal Was Thursday's Biggest Shocker

It might be a bit surprising to Laker fans to see longtime Laker Derek Fisher dealt at the trade deadline. Fisher, alongside the 2012 first-round pick the acquired from Dallas,was sent to the Houston Rockets, in exchange for reserve center Jordan Hill. It was widely expected that Fisher would finish his career in purple and yellow, despite Fishers rapidly declining skill-set. However, the move will likely end that possibility.

Fisher, who played a vital role during the Lakers two title runs in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 as the team’s starting point guard and as a key reserve in Lakers three consecutive titles from 1999 to 2002 was a fan favorite. His most recent heroics included serving as president of the NBA Players Association and played a key role in ending the lockout in 2011.

Fisher was a virtuoso at leading former head coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense before the Hall of Fame coach entered retirement before this season. However, as the team shifted gears this season with the hire of Mike Brown to replace Jackson, the 37-year-old Fisher struggled to adjust to Brown’s system.

Brown likes to run a more traditional NBA offense, emphasizing a lot of off ball movement and living by the pick-and-roll. Fisher’s age and deteriorating athletic skills made him a bit of a liability in Los Angeles for Brown, as he lacked the explosion and quickness to effectively run the offense.

The Lakers solved this problem yesterday by acquiring Ramon Sessions from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sessions ran Brown’s offense when he was last head coach of the Cavs in 2010, making Sessions and ideal candidate to bring to L.A. Before Fisher's trade, it was largely expected that Sessions would split time with Fisher for the final stretch of the season.

However, when the Lakers sent Fisher packing, it became clear that the team would move forward with Sessions as the full time starter, rather than watching Fisher fizzle and slowly have his role usurped by the more adept Sessions.

Hill was a solid add by the Lakers, giving them a reliable reserve forward/center off the bench who is solid on the glass and can block shots. A 2009 eighth overall pick going to the Knicks, Hill undoubtedly has the talent.

As far as Fisher’s future goes, it was predicted that he would serve as a back-up point guard to Goran Dragic as Kyle Lowry continues to miss time with a bacterial infection, and the with Houston dealing third string guard Jonny Flynn to Portland. However, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported via Twitter that Fisher’s $3.4 million salary with an option for next season will likely be bought out by the Rockets, so one can only suspect that Fisher’s NBA career might be coming to an early close.

And while Fisher and fans alike might be crestfallen to see the guard leave the organization in such a manner, the trade made sense for the franchise as they gear up for another run at the NBA Finals. Fisher was a worn out shell of his former self, and his deep ties to the organization were holding the Lakers back from truly contending.

Sessions and Hill were two pivotal acquisitions for the team, and should improve the Lakers title odds immediately. Fans must be excited for the team going forward as the Lakeshow chases another Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Success often times comes at a great cost, and moves like this are why the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in sports. Fisher had his time, and it was fun for fans while it lasted, but it’s time to move on.