Ramon Sessions to Lakers: Will the Lakers Regret the Loss of Derek Fisher?

The internet has been inundated with fans of Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher wishing him a warm farewell after the team's decision to trade him to the Houston Rockets, but those fond memories could turn to regret if the Lakers do make a postseason run.

I certainly agree with the Lakers move to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions to improve the team's backcourt, but can anyone explain the decision to deal Fisher in a completely separate deal?

Star guard Kobe Bryant has not had much to say about Fisher's surprise dismissal but expect that to change once the Lakers reach the point where the games really count.

It's been pretty clear for the past few seasons that the Lakers needed to upgrade the lead guard position, but in two of those few years, Los Angeles still managed to win NBA titles despite their suspect performances at the point.

Or should I say, the Lakers managed to win in spite of Fisher's erratic performances?

Or maybe...because of them?

I'm not one to nitpick, but would Kobe have won his fourth ring without Fisher's Game 5 finals' performance in 2009? What about his 16-point, Game 3 performance against the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals that indirectly led to Kobe's fifth?

Fisher didn't do anything spectacular in that series, but his timely offensive outburst may have been the difference against the Celtics.

 

And I won't even mention Fisher's .04 second gem against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 because it didn't lead to a title.



The Lakers lost in six games to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 finals, but the only reason they reached that stage was because of Fisher's improbable shot.

Fisher has proved that he has a keen understanding of the parallel between regular-season heroics and postseason greatness. Can Sessions say the same?

Sessions' 10.5 points and 5.2 assists...