07/12/2010 - 12:34
Statement From Derek Fisher
by Derek Fisher

My free agency was a time for me to reevaluate my position in the league, reflect on my accomplishments individually and as a teammate, and determine what new goals I want to achieve in the future.  Many reports were completely false. Numbers reported were guesses and true "sources" were few and far between.

I took time to consider all my options, many not reported in the media.  I listened to every coach, every general manager, even potential teammates in order to make the right decision and I thank every one of them. At the end of the day, there's one person I could not turn away from. Kobe Bryant asked me to stay but supported whatever decision I made. He and I have played together for 11 seasons, came into the league together as kids, and has been loyal to me even when others had doubts. We have won five championships together.

I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles. While this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this off season, it is the most valuable.

I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court. Let the hunt for six begin...

Contact: Jamie Wior
310.867.4788
jamie@derekfisher2.com

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Comments

Thanks For Stayin

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 11:55.

Thanks for staying . as for those haters who doubt you way to prove them wrong by actions and not needing to say a word.

I was sweating if you were gonna go to another team, and when i heard the news i jumped for joy :)

you are truly one of the best point guards to ever play the game. b/c you do what it takes from all ends of the basketball IQ chart.

Thank you sir

Submitted by Beltamaxx (not verified) on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 11:22.

Thank you Derek "The Medic" Fisher for so many moments, this one included. Your a class act, that will go down in Laker history as 1 of the toughest & smartest to play the game.

I have so many things to say, but I'll try to keep it short. First,my friends & I have been screaming "Medic!!!" for year now. The reason being, you always stop the bleeding with a basket when we need one. If we're up by 10 and the opponent is making a run, you sink a 3 and we scream "MEDIC!!". If we're down by 10 and struggling, you'll sink a 3 and we scream "MEDIC!!". My friends use to look at me strange at first, now they all understand and scream it as well.

Second, not Scott, not Shaw, nor Rambis should be taking Phils place, it should be you. You are by far the most respected NBA player and Laker, in the passed 2 decades...IMO. Coach Fisher, hmmmmm, sounds good. Hope you give it some serious consideration.

WELCOME BACK! EL PRESIDENTE!

Submitted by Bee (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 21:07.

When the Lakers won the finals, all I could see was your face of joy. You cried and I cried with you. All these years, you have contributed a lot for the Lakers and the City of Los Angeles. Thank you for deciding to stay and for being not only an awesome basketball player, but an inspiration to us all. You are truly adored! Don't ever put us through this ordeal again.

LEBRON AIN'T NO KING WITHOUT A RING! YOU'VE GOT FIVE BABY!

You are a true player, we

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 18:48.

You are a true player, we love you Fish

i am so happy fisher you come back to lakers we need you

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 15:24.

kobe have to be so happy with you come back and all fan of lakers as well , i saw you , you talking aboput you friendship with kobe but i thought it was just lik eyou said one time in what interview you said it what i will say on tv so i thought you dont mean it your friendship with you kobe i thoguth that is just tv answer but you are really friend lotaly to your friend that kind people like you are gone you choose kobe and leave money that is really friend pick friend for money . i am glad you bad and you teach a lot people friendship its most important than money and be lolaty to your friend .

Thank You, FISH!

Submitted by Chafu (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 14:53.

You are a true model player for the NBA. Your announcement to stay with the Lakers has more class and characters than the "Decision" one that televised nationally on ESPN. The Lakers are lucky to have you as a player and person. And I'm so lucky to be able to watch you play and compete as a Laker. You are humble, loyal, and an inpiration to young players around the league. I hope you finish your NBA career as a Laker. Oh I think you deserve more than what the Lakers have offered you. GO FISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All I have to say is the

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 13:21.

All I have to say is the Laker's wouldn't be the Lakers WITHOUT THE FISH!
So glad that your decision was to stay in Los Angeles.
Best Regards
S Harper

WELCOME HOME

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 12:24.

I am so happy that you decided to stay along side of Kobe and OUR entire Laker team. You had me worried there for a moment. Yes, our team. The Lakers are the pride and joy of all of Southern California. The team needs your intelligent play and you ability to perform in the "clutch." The team also needs your leadership. With Phil, Kobe, Pao, Lamar, Ron, Andrew, and you still in place, I can only envision great things again next season. LeBron will have to wait...The Lakers are still #1. And while you didn't leave, welcome home!

YAY!!!!!!! FISHER I AM SO

Submitted by rosa luna (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 12:03.

YAY!!!!!!! FISHER I AM SO GLAD U DECIDED TO STAY WITH THE LAKERS ...IM UR #1 FAN ...MY DAUGHTER AND ME LOVE U ...I HAVE ALL UR JERSEYS AND ALWAYS SUPPORTED U FOR YEARS..EVERYBOBY IS A KOBE FAN BUT NOT ME ALWAYS BEEN A FISHER FAN !!!!MY DREAM IS FGOR ONE DAY TO MEET YOU !!!

Staying at home where you belong

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 11:54.

Dear Derek,

When I heard you had decided to stay with LA, I sighed a very big sigh of relief. I could not see the Lakers without YOU.
You are a very special part of this team, weather on or off the court. The first word that comes to my mind when I think of you is "Respect", not only for what you contribute to your team, but who you are as a person. I, like so many other of your loyal fans love you. My hopes for you is to see you stay in LA until you decide to retire, which I hope is not any time soon.

M.A. Clark
Menifee, Ca.

u da best

Submitted by fisher da beast (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 09:56.

i really thing u and the lakers can get a 3 peat next season but the lakers should make a attempt 2 get shaq or Allan iverson

Loyalty

Submitted by Neil (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 06:59.

I couldn't be happier that you have re-signed w/ the Los Angeles Lakers. It was my only Laker off-season concern. The years you played in Utah were the most difficult for me as a fan since Magic retired. You & Kobe are the true heart & soul of this generation of Lakers. You provide honor, consistency, strength, intelligence, & big shots (to name a precious few). You make Kobe and everyone else on your team better. Thank you for everything that you are on & off the court. Best of luck this upcoming season & well beyond!

Thanks for Signing

Submitted by Reg (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 06:53.

Derek, the Lakers would NOT be the same without "The Fish"!!! I believe YOU are the rock of the team...the foundation that the Laker team and ideals are built upon. When you chose to stay...and even you said it was not for the money...you made an incredible statement about yourself and your commitment and loyalty to the Team. I'm looking forward to seeing you in "the hunt" again! It's time for another "3-Peat"!!

TURE LAKERS FAN4EVER

Submitted by CAT (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 06:41.

YOU ARE THE MAN BE TRUE TO YOURSELF I AM SO GLAD YOU STAYED WITH THE LAKERS YOU AND KOBE BELONG TOGETHER NOW SINCE ARTEST IS IN THE MIXED IT IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP REPEAT REPEAT AGAIN IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT OTHER PERSON THINK YOU ARE AT HOME AGAIN I AM GLAD YOU STAY AND AT HOME HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

YOUR NO 1 FAN
ALWAYS HAVE BEEN A LAKERS FAN AND ALWAYS WILL CONTINUE
CAT

Yey! Your Staying! =)

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan - Twinkle from Phil (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 01:25.

yey! I am so HAPPY that you are staying with the Lakers! =) the team would be very incomplete without your leadership and maturity on and off the court! =) D-Fish..YOU are GREAT! You are so LOYAL! Take Care! =)

THANK YOU.

Submitted by Brandi Kolen (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 01:10.

THANK YOU DEREK FOR STAYING WITH THE LAKERS. I WAS SO HAPPY TO HERE THAT YOU WAS GOING BACK TO THE LAKER BEACUSE WE ALL LOVE TO SEE YOU PLAY.

Thata boy fish let's beat the

Submitted by Lakers4life (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 22:25.

Thata boy fish let's beat the Miami heat and have a 3peat wooooooh!!!

Thank You FISH for coming back to the team!

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 22:01.

LET'S GET IT! LA BABY! WORLD CHAMPS!!!!!!!

Thanks Homie!

Submitted by B. Parker (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 21:35.

Man...You had us sweating for a minute. I had to double up on the blood pressure meds....lol. You are a true warrior out on the court. May your legacy continue. Respect.
Bobby

Staying With The Lakers

Submitted by Elizabeth: Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 21:15.

This goes to show that Derek Fisher is the classiest, kindest, hardest working, genuine, and most loyal and gracious professional sportsman - EVER! It is so obvious - in every expression and decision. To continue with the Lakers is amazing - so unselfish - yet a valuable decision for every fan and the entire Lakers team. You deserve so much more - yet continually give - without hesitation! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are so loved and appreciated by so many!

Hi Derek, I've just wanted to

Submitted by Rafael Dezordi from Brazil (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 21:14.

Hi Derek, I've just wanted to express how happy I am that you are returning to the Lakers. In December, I'm going to fulfill my lifelong dream, which is to visit California, more specifically L.A. and San Francisco, and I will watch you play with the rest of the team, some time around Christmas.
Thank you so much for all you have done for the Lakers throughout your career.
Your personal example has helped me overcame the difficulties of living in a third world country and persevere in life.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Rafael Dezordi

THANK YOU FISH!!!!!!

Submitted by Rick (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 20:46.

We ALLL APPRECIATE YOU STAYING FISH!!!!! YOURE A HUGE PART OF THE LOS ANGELES FAMILY!!!. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you Fish, always have;

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 20:40.

I love you Fish, always have; I was sad when you left and very happy when you came back, and happy that you're staying, not that I really doubted it. You are a great player and a great person, always honorable and loyal.

A winner

Submitted by Winston (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 20:39.

Whether the Lakers 3-peat or not, you are already a winner in my book. Thanks for staying.

I would have been heartbroken

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 19:57.

I would have been heartbroken to see you wearing another teams jersey. I am thrilled to hear you have come to terms with the Lakers. You are a class act on the court and off. Heres to celebrating number six next June.

thank you

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 05:59.

thatk you fish fish

Thank You Fish!!!

Submitted by Laker4Life (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 19:49.

Mr. Fisher YOU are definitely a CLASS ACT. I have been a Laker fan for the last 26 years of my life and I must say that in an era of athletes looking for fulfillment from the almighty dollar...you are in a class by yourself. I commend you greatly and will be cheering for the Lake Show to 3peat!!!! (AGAIN)

ThanKs Fisher

Submitted by Laker 4ever (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 19:11.

People like you make make us as fans love you more for the integrity that you have. What i think you just flirt with other teams but you always knew in your heart was always this city...lol You are a great leader and you are leaving a great legacy to young players...INTEGRITY...thats you are made of...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...your treasure is here so is your heart. WE LOVE YOU FISHER!!!!!

Glad you stayed in L.A.

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 18:47.

I am a huge fan of yours, and after the Game 7 win I decided it was time to add the great #2 to my line up of Lakers Jerseys. Then I heard about the possibility of you going to the Heat. Thank Goodness you didn't!

I love you dude. Your locker

Submitted by Ryan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 17:06.

I love you dude. Your locker room presence is more important than the clutch shots you make all the time. Thanks for being a great person.

A Thank You from a Lakers Fan: "Your Just Deserts Way Overdue!"

Submitted by Investigate4you (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 16:03.

D-Fish,

I just want to take a moment out of my day to give you your "Just Deserts". I've watch you steadily evolve & improve as a basketball player since you came into the league. You are a better basketball player now than you were when you left. Since your return to the Lakers you have been attacking the basket whenever the opportunity presents itself (IE-Game 3 drive) and your mid range jump short is money. You are a complete player, able to hit close, mid range/free throws and beyond the 3 point line. Your leadership on & off the floor will command the respect of all your peers and your relentless nature on defense sends the right type of a message to all opponents.

I personally judge a players worth by steady improvement & consistency. You have improved and are consistently there when your called upon...

I am hopeful that you will one day retire as a Laker, have your jersey retired in Staples and I hope to see you coaching on the sidelines in the NBA.

Lastly, the spirituality that you humbly display when given the opportunity in front of the cameras is a real blessing to those whom truly understand where you obtained that inner strength to persevere from. That Higher power (as some might call it) seems to be a unifying force between you and Kobe. I thank you both for trying to be good role models and for fighting the good fight.

With all that said, I look forward to watching you and your team "COMPLETE da 3PEAT". Another Lakers Dynasty in the making!

Best regards,

Claude Ammons
Corinthian Group: Private Investigations & Personal Protection
http://www.Investigate4you.com

FISHHHH!!!!!!

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 15:55.

THANK YOU FISH!!!! Youre the KING IN LOS ANGELES!!! NEVER LEAVE!!!!!!

You Are A Class Act

Submitted by JAA-Derek Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 15:33.

Derek,
Just heard the news that you are staying with the team. This is great! I knew you would do it. You see aman can only have so much money then after that it becomes heart, pride,dignity,and the knowing you can make a difference in lives of others. There is no monetary value on this.
You are a class act and know what I am talking about. I love the Lakers all my life since the good days on Manchester. Iknow the days when you and Kobe came to help. But I also know one thing, that you brought something special to our team...CLASS Good Luck Sure wish I could get a response from you.

Derek, Looking forward to

Submitted by LakersLover55 (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 15:17.

Derek,
Looking forward to another 3 great years! You are a blessing to the team and your fans. Let's get #17!

Thank You

Submitted by Lucia - Laker/Spark Fan, Fisher Lover (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:58.

So many people have already written here much of what I want to say, but I couldn't go by without leaving my heartfelt thanks also. Thank you for staying, thank you for being a model of what LIFE - let alone sports - should be about.

HUGE Exhale!

Submitted by Laker Luv in Ventura (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:49.

Derek,
Now...we can breathe. Thank you for staying a Laker....it wouldn't be the same without YOU!

very happy

Submitted by joe aguilera jr (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:21.

i'm very glad to see you come back to the lakers you are a very big piece to our championships so i am very excited to see you decided to return

We need you Derek Fisher

Submitted by Amity Sinclair (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:20.

I am so happy you will stay with the lakers. I have been a life long Lakers fan and I must admit you are my all time favorite player. Your grace, charm, basketball IQ and charactor set you above even my beloved Magic Johnson. I am a proud fan of #2 and can't wait to cheer for you on this fall.

man am happy you stay LA so

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 13:51.

man am happy you stay LA so now we can go for one ring THE HEAT HAVE NOTHING ON THE LAKERS THATS ALL THE HEAT FANS OUT

return of 3rd greatest lakers pointguard

Submitted by guamballer4lakers 73topresent (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 13:24.

hey champ,

welcome back i hope all rookies see an take note all of you newcomers going to your firstyear should call the champ for advice because in the longrun its about legacy not about money because people don't mention about money but talk about how many championship you have ask robert horry so enough with advice.

champ i know why your coming back its chance of winning three more championship with the lineup this lakers have a big plus this year bench is going be very strong if lakers get bell,odom,blake,livingston,brown.miami sorry you have 21/2 star but in lakerland we have 6star plus superstar wade learn ho are stars and superstar but no chance fool.

go lakers

2 Fisher x 3 Peat = 6 Rings

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 13:03.

I am glad you decided to stay with the loyal Kobe. Let the hunt for six begin

True Loyalty

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 12:53.

I have been a Laker fan since 1983 and have seen the ups and downs. I have seen the growth of a team in a physical and mental sense. I currently live in Ohio and though I am not a Cavs fan I feel bad for the fans here. But very fortunate to be a fan of a great organization and stand up players. Fish you are a great example of what this sport needs more of - love of the game, loyalty to fans and an understanding of the true meaning of what team means. Thank you for what you do on and off the court and lets make the next season number 3 for LA!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 22:40.

I am very very glad you decided to stay with the lakers,Fish.
Lets win another!

Thanks for Staying!!

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 12:10.

I knew Fish would not leave us. Too much history and hard work; too many accomplishments yet to realize. Fish is a true sportsman, a true teammate, and a wonderful young man. I have been a Laker fan since I was nine years old in 1979 and have had the pleasure of watching many Laker greats. He is definitely in my top 10. Lets get another 3-peat!!! Go Lakers!!!

New 3 year deal

Submitted by Travis (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 12:09.

Thanks Fish! I love your game and what you bring to the team. It just doesn't seem right if you don't have "Lakers" across the front of your jersey.

MUAHHHHHH!!!

Submitted by Denise (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 12:06.

I can only say........ I LOVE YOU DERRICK FISHER!!!! LOLOLOL Thank you Thank you did I say Thank You!!! You had me nervous like you wouldn't believe. Had me textin & tweetin in church....shame on you!!!! I can breathe again!!!!! You're a great man. And I mean that no matter who you play for!!!! Let's go LAKERS!!!!!!!

Thank you for being a Laker

Submitted by Christian from Switzerland (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:59.

Hello, I am so happy to hear, that you stay in LA. You are one of the most important player in my opinion. I wish you and the team good luck for the next season. And as you said... Let the hunt for six begin...

I am looking forward again to get up in the morning an watch you and the other guys to play.

Greets from Switzerland
Christian

STAYING IN LA

Submitted by Tracey M (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:52.

I am humbled by your amazing and incredible integrity. To stand by "your" team the way that you have, not just this week, but for most of your professional career, is quite a testament to the kind of person you are. Thank you, deeply for your commitment to the Lakers team. This is the kind of thing that makes us fans such supportive fans. You and Kobe are AWESOME and we love you and the entire Lakers organization. Thank you so much.

That's Why We Love You!

Submitted by Elle (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:17.

Yes! True Laker fans knew you'd never leave us. True, you could have gotten way more money elsewhere, but wise as you are, you recognize the "value" right where you are. I have been a fan since you entered the league and will continue to be a fan for life. You are an example of what a true professional athlete should be and what a awesome human being is!!! You go, Derek!!! You just made my day! Go Lakers!!!

SOOO HAPPY!!

Submitted by Derek Fisher Fan (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:11.

Thank you, Fish, for staying in LA. I am ecstatic and relieved! Good luck with Ring #6. THREE PEAT!!!! We all love you!