Derek Fisher Tribute Video: Watch Lakers Pay Homage to Former LA Star

Derek Fisher may not be the same player he once was when he won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, but upon his return to Staples Center on Thursday as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, L.A. made sure he knew he was appreciated.

The Lakers played a tribute video of Fisher before Thursday night's game at Staples Center, backed by the Kanye West lyrics, "One thing I found, you'll never let me down."

Fisher has never been the most athletic or explosive player on the floor, even in his earlier days. But he made a name for himself in Los Angeles and throughout the league with his grit, determination, leadership and knack for the clutch shot.

While Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal will get most of the accolades for the Lakers' recent titles, Fisher has become somewhat of an icon to Lakers fans. He was part of five Lakers championship teams after all.

At 37 years of age, Fisher likely won't be around for much longer. He's valuable to the Thunder because of his veteran presence and leadership, but there's only so much he can do on the floor these days.

Nevertheless, Fisher built a legacy with the Lakers, as the glue of Lakers teams for so many years. Upon his trade this season, there was a great deal of backlash from Lakers fans, despite the fact that he shot under 40 percent in 43 games and was a liability on the defensive end of the floor.

With Fisher, it was always about more than his stats or athleticism anyway. He was part of the Lakers' culture. You lose a piece of the puzzle, and it's hard to find a replacement who will replicate exactly what a unique player the likes of Fisher brought to the table.

In the touching tribute on Thursday, the Lakers reminded Fisher that he will never be forgotten in Los Angeles—no matter which team he's on.

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