Greatest Free Agent Signing All Time – Number Two: Derek Fisher
One of the winningest players in franchise history, Derek Fisher was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. He was a key role player in their three championships from 2000-2002. He then left Los Angeles and played the next few seasons with the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz.
The Lakers then re-signed him in 2007 to be a veteran leader. It was a perfect fit as he already knew the offense, and would easily slide into the backcourt as a steady ball-handler. During his second stint with the Lakers, he’ll be remembered for his clutch shots.
Arguably, his most memorable moment was the game-tying three point shot he made to force overtime during Game 4 of the 2009 NBA Finals versus the Orlando Magic. He also hit another clutch shot later in that game:
During his second stint with the Lakers, Fisher played 82 games every season. He averaged 8.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals a game. Fisher is second all-time in Lakers franchise history in three-pointers made, trailing only Kobe Bryant. He is also fifth all-time in games played.