Press Enterprise: They came into the NBA together in 1996, two rookies trying to prove their worth with the Lakers. They played eight years together, winning three championships, developing a bond, a friendship.
Now Derek Fisher is back with his backcourt mate Kobe Bryant, trying to reclaim that glory.
Fisher spent three years away, playing two with the Golden State Warriors and last season with the Utah Jazz before signing a three-year, $14.3 million deal with the Lakers this summer.
Right after he signed the contract July 20, Fisher sent Bryant a text message, letting him know his commitment to the cause and to being there for Bryant, just like he was in the past.
"I said, 'From this point on, we are connected again,' " Fisher said after Sunday's practice. " 'We're back together as warriors, as brothers, as one-day champions again. I want that and I know you want that. Let's go get it.' "
Fisher has begun this quest by being more of a leader in training camp. He talks to his teammates, explaining to them how to be professional. He shows them how to run the offense.
He has become someone Bryant and the rest of the Lakers can lean on.
"I have that responsibility with this particular team, to not only be solid and consistent in terms of on-court performance, but also off the court," Fisher said. "One of the responsibilities that I have, and it's a big one, is to bring a feeling of unity that's put in a community feeling of togetherness, and with everybody just kind of getting back to a place where we have one common goal."
Fisher's Impact Felt by Lakers
Linear Mode
