A dinged up Derek Fisher took the court for two games this weekend, an ethos that he says is required when you wear Purple and Gold.
"I think it’s always important, whether it’s myself, Lamar, Kobe or anybody on the team to basically report to work as long as you’re physically able to," D-Fish told ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin.
No. 2 was speaking after the Lakers gritted out two wins, 104-96 Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves and 99-92 on Sunday against the Wizards.
Derek played his best ball of the weekend on Sunday, finding Pau Gasol three times and Kobe Bryant once for four assists.
After the game, Fish spoke about how much more playing through pain matters to the team than simply racking up stats.
"I think it’s important that guys that are veterans and your key guys, even if it impacts your performance, so to speak, your presence is really more valuable than your statistics."
He singled out in particular Lamar Odom, who is dealing with a bevy of injuries.
"We appreciate Lamar going through what he’s going through, physically still going out there and mixing it up and doing all those little things that help us win games."
Lamar and the rest of the Lakers, would certainly say the same thing about Fish.
POSTSEASON PERCEPTIONS
The Lakers have been on a roller coaster of late, having won six straight games after losing three in a row.
Over the weekend, Fish was asked if he could determine what facets of the Lakers game were going to come out during the postseason. Fish noted the importance of finishing the regular season strong, but in the same breath made it clear that the postseason is an entirely different animal.
"If you look at last year we felt like we were playing better at this time of year. We got the best road record in the NBA and a lot of things were looking great going into the postseason. You look up and then second round
[against Houston] you’re on the brink of elimination. There’s really no formula or recipe or guarantee that anything will happen a particular way once the postseason starts, no matter how great you’re playing or how poorly you’re playing."No. 2 said the only thing the Lakers can do that will carry over no matter what is work hard.
"It takes really staying focused on the moment and being ready for that game that day. That’s what we can take from now, continuing to push and have that level of accountability. No matter how the game is scheduled and who you’re playing against, just be ready to play at that time. That’s what were trying to get better at doing so when the postseason arrives, we’ll be ready to go."
NEXT UP
The Lakers won’t play again until Wednesday, when they take on the San Antonio Spurs.RELATED ARTICLES
No excuses (ESPNLosAngeles.com, March 22, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5017445
Lakers inconsistent effort in 99-92 victory over Washington a common storyline this season (LA Times, March 21. 2010)
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2010/03/lakers-inconsistent-effort-in-9992-victory-over-washington-a-common-storyline-this-season.html