Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 players of the 2010 decade

9. Derek Fisher

He was the captain. The heart and soul of the 2010 NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers.

Derek Fisher has never been an All-Star. Never been an outstanding scorer, athlete or playmaker. But he knew what took to win. He knew how to bring his team to victory. Whether it was with words, facts or faith. He was the leader of the Lakers that won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 and Phil Jackson’s most trusted player on the floor.

He spent just two seasons and half of the decade on Lakers roster, getting traded at the deadline in 2012 but his presence was always a staple for the team.

Through their playoff runs, his 3-point shooting was a fundamental element in Lakers’ triangle offense, averaging 10.3 points in 2010 playoffs and shooting 41.2 percent in 2011.

Fisher was 37 years old when was traded by the Lakers. His best days were already gone and he was at the tail end of his career, but his contribution to Lakers’ success determined the cohesion that Kobe Bryant controversial attitude could not provide.

As the ultimate leader his career went on two more years as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder and proceeded as New York Knicks head coach, a testament to the leadership skills he displayed in Los Angeles.