Fisher could of helped us on the road this year, and possibly brought a draft pick next year with his expiring contract. Sugar coating the fact that the President of the players union probably lied and entered into discussion before clearing waivers does no good for the reputation of the game, or the Lakers.

The feel good story of the year became very ugly.

And is more worth it in the long run.

@ Anonymous 4:57

Sounds like speculation to me. Care to offer a little more concreteness to your accusation?

I'd hate to think Fisher pulled a fast one on the Jazz over his child's ordeal and I'll be the first to say I'm wrong but it does look "fishy" to leave the team only to find out he's a Laker again. Rubs the wrong way.
Memo, Boozer, sick or hurting, whatever, they ought to learn a few lessons in defense. Send 'em to defense school 101. Can't teach old dogs new tricks? Better do something quick I'm saying, the playoffs are looming and teams like the Lakers are only getting better and better as the days count down.

I am surprised and disappointed to find so many Jazz fans that are unwilling to see the bigger picture. Stop thinking about sports for one minute and realize that the man's daughter was diagnosed with cancer. If you are a parent I am sure that you can appreciate the gravity of the situation. If you are not, just realize that cancer kills and the fear of losing a child can be devastating. During times of stress it is essential to have a strong support system, and the Fisher's support system is very strong in LA (stronger than in Utah).

By virtue of being a life long Jazz fan from Utah I have always despised the Lakers. As a father I am in complete support of what Fisher did for his family. Kudos to Derek Fisher for having the courage to do what was right. To all of the Jazz fans who felt it was necessary to boo him: I boo you.

Nobobdy diminishes him for taking care of his daughter or the cancer or anything else. PLEASE STOP SAYING THIS IS WHAT THE FANS ARE QUESTIONING--IT IS NOT!! He simply was not honest about his intentions.

Fish should have stood up and said "I am planning to go to LA where I have a better support system to care for my daughter". BUT HE DIDN'T!

Instead he lied. "I need to be closer to MD's back East". Uh, wrong direction Fish.

He said one thing and did the opposite!! You add that to his disappointment of being traded to Utah and his reporting here late after the trade--it all adds up to one thing. He did not want to be here to begin with and he used his daughters health as a means of escape. That is offensive to Jazz fans.

Now who is more honest about the situation? The fans who do not appreciate being lied to by a player who does not like their State and/or team OR, THE PRESIDENT OF THE NBA PLAYERS UNION who used his position/power and daughters illness to meet his own personal preferences?

We know the score.

It is "personal" Kobe--be prepared for payback.

I'm glad Fisher left. That's more salary cap room we have to lock up D-Will and Millsap. Plus we get to put Brewer and Korver in at the 2. I didn't think Fisher really produced in Utah. I liked him better as the backup point. Now that he's the point in LA he's seemingly doing better. Unfortunately, I do think the Jazz miss Fisher's veteran presence because they are so young.

@re: Josh in NY 3:36pm Mar 21, 2008

Many of you seem to have real insight as to the words between LHM and Derek Fisher, when he was leaving the Jazz. What was really said? I've read some things in the newspaper, but second source info to me, not direct knowledge. I don't even know the context or the setting of the conversation.

Seems judgemental and speculative to reach conclusions without actually knowing?

Seems unfair to diss one player (based on speculation) and to embrace another for his seeming duplicity. Do you endorse a player deceiving his organization to come to the Jazz (if in fact that is what he did)?

I don't understand the reasoning or maturity of some.

I've been down on Sloan. Perhaps it is some of the fans I should consider.

If fisher is such a good guy why didn't he and his agent work out a trade to one those teams that are in city where could medical treatment for his daughter rather than weasel out of a contract leaving the jazz nothing in return?

Josh in NY, wanna buy a bridge?

Winston, what have you been smoking?

@ Uno
Not smoking a thing. Nothing. I am completely in touch with reality. Some who post here do not seem to be.

Conclusions from "Anonymous @ 4:47" and "re: Josh in NY | 3:36 p.m" as well as your response still look like and sound like and smell like speculation!