Thunder vs. Lakers: Derek Fisher Speaks on Return to LA
Derek Fisher returns to Los Angeles Thursday night, though it will not be as a beloved Lakers guard, but as a respected Oklahoma City Thunder enemy.
The Thunder's newest guard gave a statement on being a part of the opposition in his return to the Staples Center, via ESPN.
"First and foremost, I'm just excited to be back in the city and excited to see my friends and brothers, that I considered my teammates, when I was here. It's only been a couple weeks but it seems so much longer.
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There are sure to be cheers and maybe even a standing ovation for a man that has given Lakers fans so many wonderful memories. But, it will stop short of adulation because he is now an opposing player on a team that is expected to be featured in the Finals.
Fisher is the consummate professional that worked perfectly as a co-leader alongside Kobe Bryant. The vinegar of Bryant's tough love on teammates was counterbalanced by Fisher's calming, veteran approach.
More than that, he will be remembered for some crunch-time moments that will live on forever in Lakers lore.
This is not the first time that Fisher has suited up for anyone other than the Purple and Gold, but it certainly feels different this time around.
The guard left the Lakers after 2004 and played for the Golden State Warriors before joining the Utah Jazz, but at 37 years old, there is little hope that he will ever lead a Lakers offense ever again.
He is in the final throes of a fantastic career that saw him collect five championships with Los Angeles and hit one magical .4-second shot that we will never forget.
It's clear that the moment is not nearly lost on Fisher, who continues, via ESPN.
"This city and these fans and everyone that I grew close to over the years, they and this place will always, always hold a very special place in my heart and that will never change. But, due to a number of different circumstances, I'm in Oklahoma City now and I'm extremely happy to be here.
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Fisher stopped short of mentioning the Lakers organization and, instead, concentrated on the fans and the city that still very much hold his playing days near to their hearts.
He went on to mention the Thunder and how thrilled he is to be a member of this special club. It was a fitting statement from a grizzled vet that puts winning above all things.
While he may have been the yin to Kobe Bryant's yang, he shares the same passion for competition, and the statement illustrates that he is ready to do what he can to give the Thunder a win on Thursday night, and every game after.
Lakers fans expect nothing less.
