10 Los Angeles Lakers role players that will never be forgotten

By Tyler Watts | Mar 12, 2023

BOSTON - JUNE 08: Derek Fisher #2 and Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 8, 2010 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers, Derek Fisher (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Lakers greatest role players: 2. Derek Fisher

Fisher was the 24th overall pick in the 1996 draft by the Lakers, and he helped them win five championships during his 12 seasons in Los Angeles. D-Fish was the backup point guard during the team’s three-peat with Kobe and Shaq before taking over as the starter in the backcourt next to Bryant during the Lakers’ two titles with Pau Gasol. Fisher was a winner at every stop as he reached the playoffs 16 times in 18 years.

The 6’1 point guard became a fan favorite because of his hard-nosed play and ability to sink clutch shots. Teams could not leave Fisher open or he would make them play. D-Fish made a ton of daggers over his career, but here are the top five.

He was with the Lakers for his first eight years. Fisher left for three years before returning in 2007 for four and a half more seasons. The 6’1 guard helped them win three titles and make four finals appearances during his first run, and they reached the finals three times and won two championships during his second stint in LA.

Fisher was synonymous with sharing the backcourt with Kobe Bryant, and he became one of the winningest Lakers during his 12 seasons in Los Angeles. He retired from the NBA in 2014 before becoming a head coach in both the NBA and WNBA.

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