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Los Angeles Lakers can and should reunite with Derek Fisher

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 17: Head coach Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Sparks speaks at a press conference ahead of the game against the Minnesota Lynx at Crypto.com Arena on May 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 17: Head coach Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Sparks speaks at a press conference ahead of the game against the Minnesota Lynx at Crypto.com Arena on May 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Derek Fisher is one of the greatest role players in Los Angeles Lakers‘ history. Five championships and the second-most NBA Playoff games in league history (just recently being passed by LeBron James) is definitely a good way to become a Lakers legend.

Fisher last suited up with the Lakers in 2012 but has enjoyed a career in basketball since. Fisher played until the 2013-2014 season and quickly became a coach after retiring. Phil Jackson hired Fisher to be the head coach of the New York Knicks prior to the 2014-15 season. Fisher lasted 136 games in New York and was fired during his second season.

Fisher was then hired to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in 2019, a job he held until this Tuesday. The five-time champion, who was also the team’s general manager, was fired by the Sparks after a 5-7 start to the season.

The door is now open for Derek Fisher to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.

New head coach Darvin Ham is continuing to fill out his coaching staff in Los Angeles and he should be giving the Lakers legend a call. While Fisher’s NBA coaching career did not go as planned, he would be a valuable member of the coaching staff as an assistant.

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Jason Kidd played such a big role as an assistant in Los Angeles and turned that into a head coaching gig with the Dallas Mavericks, who he led to the Conference Finals in his first season. While Fisher is no Jason Kidd, his knowledge is undeniable and his experience could help Ham, who has a long-time career as an assistant but not as a head coach.

We know that Jeanie Buss and the Lakers really value relationships and that is enough to get Fisher through the door. We also know that Phil Jackson is advising the team. Jackson hired Fisher once and it would not be shocking to see him advocate for hiring him again.

Fisher could stay in Los Angeles and an assistant job with the Lakers is a great path to getting another head-coaching gig. If the Lakers have another title run then the assistants on the team will see their stock rise.

LeBron James really does seem to value coaches that have played in the league before and with Fisher knowing what it takes to win a championship as a role player, he could help Russell Westbrook find his place on this team. It will be hard but Fisher is someone who Westbrook should respect.

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Plus, every Laker fan likely wants to selfishly see Fisher back with the Los Angeles Lakers in some capacity. It makes sense for everyone involved and could just be a matter of time.

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