On the court, the 33-year-old left-handed guard, a 12-year veteran, plays a tough brand of defense and is a proven clutch shooter.
He was a key part of the Lakers' three titles in 2000, '01 and '02. This season, he started every game, averaging 11.7 points. "He understands the way to do things," Lakers coach Phil Jackson says. "He knows how to get things accomplished. And he has a cool head under pressure."
At practice and in the locker room, he is shining example of professionalism.
"A lot of stuff Derek does rubs off on the rest of the team," Bryant says. "The comments he makes about the game. His execution. His spirit. His approach to practice and preparation and hard work."
Fisher uses the word "blessing" often, and he considers this season one.
It's hard to quantify the kind of example Fisher sets.
"I just try to be a professional every day," he says. "We all go through days where the body is sore, the body is tired. … I just think it's good for guys to see people on their team bring the right attitude to work every day. A guy that's here early, stays late … tries to do the right things. I think that becomes infectious."
