The 5 most underrated Los Angeles Lakers of the 21st century

By Eric Hirsch | May 26, 2021

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images – Los Angeles Lakers /

Most underrated Los Angeles Lakers of the 21st century: 3) Derek Fisher

While Kobe, Shaq and Pau were the driving forces behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ first five titles of the 2000s, D-Fish was there for all of them, and not just there for the ride. The tenacious guard played a critical role in each and every playoff run as a knockdown outside shooter and trusted leader.

A steady and durable backcourt player with a three-point percentage that frequently hovered around 40 percent, Fisher could always be counted on to deliver in big moments.

Look no further than his miraculous playoff buzzer-beater with just 0.4 seconds remaining against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Kobe once called Fisher his all-time favorite teammate. What more needs to be said?

2000 Playoff Averages: 4.7 PPG, 1.0 REB, 2.0 AST, 0.5 STL, .414 3FG%

2001 Playoff Averages: 13.4 PPG, 3.8 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.3 STL, .515 3FG%

2002 Playoff Averages: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.0 STL, .358 3FG%

2009 Playoff Averages: 8.0 PPG, 2.0 REB, 2.2 AST, 1.0 STL, .284 3FG%

2010 Playoff Averages: 10.3 PPG, 2.5 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.2 STL, .360 3FG%

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