Derek Fisher Turns Down Heat, Will Return To Los Angeles

Wagering: 1.888.238.8018 - 1.888.889.4313
Customer Service: 1.877.717.7747 - 1.888.889.4368

: 1.888.238.8198 - 1.888.889.4312
: 1.888.378.0888 - 1.888.889.4219

Derek Fisher Turns Down Heat, Will Return To Los Angeles

Despite the acquisition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, not everything is going the Miami Heat’s way this NBA offseason. On Monday, veteran point guard Derek Fisher rebuffed overtures to join the biggest free agent in the sport and announced that he’ll return to the Lakers for the 2010-2011 season. The Lakers have won two straight NBA titles and five during Fisher’s time with the team dating back to the Shaq/Kobe era. He’s signing a three year, $9 million (US) deal to stay in Los Angeles.

In a statement on the Lakers’ website, Fisher indicated that he left considerable money on the table in order to stay with the defending champs:

"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 offseason, 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."

In a separate interview, Fisher said that Kobe Bryant was the deciding factor in staying with the team:

"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."

Kobe had suggested that retaining Fisher’s services was an important priority for the Lakers:

"We've got to have him back. Fish knows we need him, and we know we've got to keep him."

Fisher may not put up incredible numbers, but that’s due as much to the role of the point guard in the Lakers’ triangle offense as anything else. He’s a solid, veteran contributor and a highly underrated defender who was effective against both Phoenix’s Steve Nash and Utah’s Deron Williams during the NBA playoffs.

The Lakers now have all of their core talent signed to multi-year contracts including Kobe, Fisher, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom. Their only significant loss this off-season has been guard Jordan Farmar, but the acquisition of veteran Steve Blake more than makes up for that.

< Prev		Next >

BetPhoenix.com is a current leader in the North American and Asian Online Gaming sector. Sportsbook, Live Casino, Virtual Casino and Racebook. All in one! Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

Sports News

INFORMATION

PRODUCTS

HORSE BETTING TYPES

SPORTS BETTING