Derek Fisher and the Lakers look to begin a new winning streak tonight against a team they’ve already had defeated this season.
Los Angeles handled the Bulls fairly easily, winning 108-93 nearly a month ago.
Fish had a then season-high 12 points in the win, and also added two rebounds, two assists and a steal. He was on fire from the floor that night, hitting all five of his shots, including two three pointers. The slumping Bulls are just 8-14 on the year, having lost five of the last six and ten of their last twelve.
Los Angeles has won the past five meetings between the teams.
FISH’S VALUE
While casual NBA fans always look at the stat line to measure production, the folks over at Forum Blue and Gold know what true value is, and they see it in No. 2.
His line in the win Wednesday vs. Utah was 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 3 fouls. Oh and the Lakers won by 24 in a dominating performance. I submit that this is exactly what you want from your 5th player (plus maybe a couple of defensive rebounds in the 1st half). Play steady, play defense, move the ball, don’t force your own game, don’t be afraid to take the clutch shot if the moment comes. Who else is better than Fish?
The Lakers options are 1. Kobe, 2 Pau, 3 Andy (switch this order up depending on opponent and match ups). Artest gets a few kick outs, post ups (ouch), and drives. The point guard gets the scraps. This pecking order is as it should be. The last thing you want is a Jamaal Crawford in that role taking 15 shots.
When it comes to the Lakers, Fish certainly knows his role: Help them win, no matter what.
FISHER FELLOWSHIP
Even in his 11 years playing with some of the most heralded and talented athletes in the NBA, No. 2 has never forgotten his roots.
As a graduate of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, Derek has always kept his fellow Trojans in mind, no more so than when he donated $700,000 toward the construction of a new gym at the school.
In addition to the facility, the money also went to the establish the Fisher Fellows Life Skills Program, which helps student athletes cope with issues on and off the playing field.
"I’m honored to be able to do this," D-Fish said at the time. "The university is such a big part of me being in this position. Hopefully, this is the start of a special program and a long, long, long relationship."
Read up about the UALR program and Derek’s relationship with the University at their website by clicking here.
NEXT UP
It’s Derek v. Derrick round two as Fish faces Rose in Chicago tonight. The game tips of at 5:00 p.m. PST and can be seen on KCAL TV.
RELATED ARTICLES
Fisher Fellows Life Scholarship Program (UALR Athletics, December 6, 2009)
http://www.ualrtrojans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=7400&KEY=&ATCLID=676586
Bridge Talk (Forum Blue and Gold, Dec. 14, 2009)
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2009/12/14/bridge-talk/