The Los Angeles Lakers are asking starting point guard Derek Fisher to take a significant pay cut if he wants to return for the team's run at a three peat. After making $5 million this past season, the Lakers are making an offer that could potentially be as low as $2.5 million per season. Fisher is searching for a contract in the range of 2-years/$10 million and it remains uncertain if he will take the offer.
Fisher lost a lot of his leverage when the Lakers picked up PG Steve Blake in free agency with a 4-year/$16 million deal. With Fisher's age becoming a factor for LA to take into consideration, he'll be 36 next month, the team may look to move in a different direction. They could push Blake into the starting role, but I personally think he would be better used as a reserve. Keeping Jordan Farmar might become a more attractive option for the Lakers if Fisher decides would rather play elsewhere.
LA has seen almost all of it's success during the past decade with Fisher as their point guard. The team has won five championships with Fisher, and zero during the seasons he spent with Golden State and Utah. He is also one of Kobe Bryant's close friends, which makes you wonder if he will have any input in the decision. It will be interesting to see if the Laker's chemistry will be effected if Fisher does depart the team. While his age is becoming a concern, Fisher is still more than capable of being a quality back up and obviously has what it takes to be a champion.
