IS DEREK FISHER ALIVE?
Yes, and that joke’s not that funny anymore. After limping through the regular season and getting ABUSED by Russell Westbrook in Round 1, Fisher’s had yet another renaissance. Every year, we think he’s become the Lakers’ weak link, and he keeps silently plugging away, hitting big shots, keeping Kobe sane, and doing just enough to help the Lakers get it done. Whether you look at his 20 points in L.A.’s game 3 win in Utah, or 22 in Game 5 against Phoenix, the evidence is there. Fisher’s not washed up just yet. He’s still a huge defensive liability, but for the Lakers, he’s good enough to keep defenses honest, and a guy that’s proven reliable in crunch time. You win titles with guys like Fisher, especially if you can hide him on defense.
