The Los Angeles Lakers made a shocking deal on Thursday just minutes before the 2012 trade deadline, dealing veteran point guard Derek Fisher to the Houston Rockets for power forward Jordan Hill. Not only has Fisher been a key member of numerous championship teams in Los Angeles over the years, but he has spent a majority of the last 15 seasons with the franchise.
The Lakers acquired a point guard in Ramon Sessions who basically takes Fisher's minutes, so it's not exactly like the team does not have a solid replacement for him, but very seldom do you see a veteran like D-Fish get traded, let alone to a middle-of-the-road team like the Rockets.
Dr. Jerry Buss addressed the deal and talked about what Fisher has meant to the organization over the years.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Derek for everything he has meant to this organization over the years," said Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss. "Few who have worn the Lakers uniform have done so with as much class as Derek, both on the court and in the community. From his famous 0.4 shot in San Antonio to his clutch performances in the Finals against Orlando and Boston when it mattered most, Derek will always hold a special place not only in my heart, but in the heart of Lakers fans everywhere."
I still don't get the move, but L.A. had some luxury-tax issues they were dealing with and this deal will help. Still, a very weird day for the Lakers.
For more on the team and to react to the deals made today, head over to Silver Screen and Roll.