Moments after receiving his fourth NBA Championship ring, Derek Fisher grabbed the microphone and paid tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers fans and former players who gathered at Staples Center on Tuesday night.
“Tonight is such a special night for all of our team, our coaches, our front office and our ownership,” Derek said. “We know every night when we come out here and especially this line of gentleman right here, all the years that they put out and sacrificed their bodies. The support from you the fans has just been unbelievable over all these years and we can not do this, what we’re about to do, without you.”
With that, Derek led the entire arena on a three-second countdown as the Lakers unveiled their 15th world championship banner.
GAME TO PLAY
As the Lakers wrapped up their 2008-2009 championship with the ceremony, they began their title defense in style with a 99-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Tuesday night’s season opener.
It wasn’t a loud night for D-Fish, but he nonetheless helped deliver a victory, chipping in five points, three assists and a rebound in the victory over the Clippers at the Staples Center. He also added a steal to round out his evening.
 Derek receives his ring from David Stern (Getty Images). |
D-Fish’s first points of the night came on a three toward the end of the first half. It put the Lakers up eight as they cruised to a ten-point halftime lead.
Each of No. 2’s three assists went to a different player. He started off his evening stealing a pass from Rasual Butler and dishing to Kobe Bryant for a long jumper. Then he tossed one to Josh Powell for a short jumper.
His final dime of the night came when he fed Andrew Bynum for a driving lay up.
D-Fish even got some love from the new guy, when, on his last bucket of the night, Ron Artest fed Derek for a lay up.
PINKY BLING
The Lakers’ championship rings are diamond encrusted, weighing in at 2.82 carats. They are shaped, uniquely, like the Staples center and each cost $10,000.
Derek received his before the game, the second to last Laker player to receive his, right before Kobe Bryant. When No. 2 was presented his championship ring he received a standing ovation from the Staples Center crowd.
Every player for the Lakers last season received a ring, but only D-Fish and Kobe Bryant have one they can wear on their pinky finger.
THE PRESSURE TO REPEAT
Before the game Derek spoke with FoxSports.com about the difficulty that comes with being the defending champ. Since he was with the Lakers when they last won a title, he’s keenly aware of the difficulties that lie ahead.
The one thing that sticks out in any season, but in particular a repeat season, is that it’s a very, very long season,” Fisher said. “You have to remind yourself not to get too high when it’s good and not to get too low when things don’t go as well.”
Since D-Fish has repeated twice before, he knows exactly what’s necessary.
“There are going to be ups and downs, Fisher said. “We’re going to be tested. That’s just a part of what we’re trying to do.”
NEXT UP
D-Fish and the Lakers will remain on the West Coast, hosting the Mavericks on Friday. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. PST.
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