Derek Fisher Could Return to Los Angeles Lakers

Would a 16-year NBA veteran, who has played in 1,173, games be willing to wait until March to play for his former team? It may seem like a long shot, but according to ESPN's Marc Stein, Derek Fisher returning to Los Angeles could be a possibility.

Would Fisher be willing to sit out the majority of the season just to sign with a loaded Lakers team that will surely compete for another NBA championship?

Here are three reasons why he should:  

Rest



I fully expect Fisher to sign on with a contender prior to the season or wait for an injury to happen on a winning team. But, if he does decide to wait until March, Fisher would be rested and fully ready to go for the stretch run and the grueling playoff action from March through June.

Fisher has played in all 82 games in seven of the past nine seasons; last year he played 63 in a shortened 66 game schedule.

Like previously mentioned, Fisher has played in 1,173 regular season games in his career. He has also played in 229 postseason games. That's like adding two and a half years to his resume.

While sitting out the majority of the season by waiting until March 15 isn't ideal, it may be the right call for Fisher's 38 years of age.

Los Angeles has a need at guard off the bench



Despite Los Angeles trading for Dwight Howard, signing Steve Nash, adding Antawn Jamison and more, they are still in need for quality backcourt help. 

They need another guy who can come in off the bench to knock down a late shot, make a defensive stand or dive on the floor for a loose ball.



Fisher can still do this. He's a career 40 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and he's proven to be willing to throw his body around to make a play.

Steve Blake and Chris Duhon don't provide what Fisher can. Stein also believes that one or maybe both of these players could be trade pieces whe...

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