One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ best performers in the clutch—No, not Kobe Bryant—has been traded.
The Los Angeles Times reported that point guard Derek Fisher is headed to the Houston Rockets in a deal that sends forward Jordan Hill to Los Angeles. The Lakers also sent a conditional draft pick to Houston, according to the report.
LA pulled off a deal for point guard Ramon Sessions earlier in the day, which made it easier for the front office to say goodbye to Fisher, a team leader whose production has dropped off the last four seasons. But Fisher was never a big numbers guy, instead focusing more on performing in the clutch and helping lead the franchise along with Bryant. He was a steady presence on and off the court.
Luke Walton and Jason Kapono were included in the deal that brought Sessions to the Lakers.
This is the second time Fisher has left the franchise he started with in 1996. The 15-year veteran spent 13 seasons with the Lakers, with stints in Golden State and Utah sandwiched in between.
He came back to the Lakers during the 2007-2008 season
The longtime Laker was averaging 5.9 points and 3.3 assists this season. His career averages are modest, averaging 8.7 points and 3.1 assists per game.
But most importantly to Fisher—and the Lakers—he played a role in five championship seasons.
