NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Hiring Derek Fisher

NBA rumors are swirling around Derek Fisher. The Los Angeles Lakers fired Byron Scott shortly after the regular season ended. They’re now in need of a new head coach. The Lakers want to get that done as quickly as possible. According to Sports Illustrated, Fisher has thrown his name into the mix. Having once played for Los Angeles, the former point guard might actually have more of a chance that most people think after his failed stint with the New York Knicks.

To say that NBA fans have soured on Derek Fisher is a bit of an understatement. Back when he was a player, many had pegged him as someone that would be a coach on the professional level for a very long time. The New York Knicks took that gamble. It was mainly because team president Phil Jackson felt that Fisher would run his Triangle Offense. Things turned out pretty badly, so a lot of fans would not be bothered if he never received a second chance.

The Los Angeles Lakers might not want to be involved with Derek Fisher, either. Management has listed a couple of candidates. Fisher has not been mentioned yet. That could be a sign that Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss are trying to avoid the issue. They don’t want to make it seem like they’re neglecting a former Lakers player, especially if there are still fans that care about Fisher.

NBA teams might be hesitant to hire Derek Fisher because he was involved with the estranged wife of one of his former teammates. Players have a code of conduct in the locker room. Many frown upon that type of thing. If one of the major free agents has issues with that, then the Los Angeles Lakers might have a hard time signing them.

Location might be a big reason why Derek Fisher is interested in being the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. When the incident with Matt Barnes and his estranged wife took place, it was an hour north of Los Angeles. Fisher would love to be back with the NBA in Southern California because it will enable him to be closer to Gloria Govan. That might lead to more problems for Fisher and the Lakers.

Other former Los Angeles Lakers players might be better candidates that Derek Fisher. Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton would be a home run for Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss, both of whom might be gone after another bad season. Brian Shaw isn’t as hot of a candidate as Walton is right now, but he comes with less risk and baggage than Fisher. At this point, the Lakers might even prefer Kurt Rambis over Fisher.

Since it is the Los Angeles Lakers, there are going to be plenty of coaches outside of the organization that are going to show interest. Jeff Van Gundy is still out there. Everyone wants him because he will raise popularity for any NBA team. Ettore Messina is the lead assistant for the San Antonio Spurs. Everyone wants a piece of what Gregg Popovich is building over there in Texas. Mark Jackson has a slight chance at being a dark horse candidate for the Lakers.

It’s hard to blame Derek Fisher for trying. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular team in all of sports. They’re also one of the most coveted jobs in the NBA. Fisher wants another chance. He also wants to make a couple of more millions of dollars. If there’s even a slight chance that the Lakers might be willing to bite, then Fisher has to try.