LITTLE ROCK — Fisher sees expanded role in LA
Derek Fisher is back with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his role figures to be a bitdifferent the second time around.
For the most part of his first eight years with the Lakers, Fisher was a member of the supporting cast to Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, playing a significantrole in three championships and another trip to the NBA Finals.
"Everyone knew who we were," said Fisher (Little Rock Parkview, UALR). "We had the two best players in the game on the same team in their prime, for the most part. Now, we're in a differentplace. We just need to play ball and everything will take care of itself.
"I'll definitely have to step up more in terms of leading the team. I don't think I'll be in a position where I'm sitting back and waiting for things to happen. In the framework of the offense, I'll be looking to be more aggressive."
Coach Phil Jackson said: "His role is stability, non-turnover, take care of the ball, make shots. Fish makes big shots. He gets balls back for you at the defensive end by taking charges and getting steals.
"With Fish, we can play full-court pressure. And he's somebody Kobe can identify with."
Bryant said: "It's a breath of fresh air. It's special for me. Wecame in together [in 1996]."
And, Bryant said, they have enjoyed a closeness ever since.
"When we're in our 50s and 60s, we'll still have that." Lucky 13
Tony Massenburg is excited about a chance to return to the NBA- even if he is 40.
The 6-9 forward hasn't played in the NBA since the 2004-2005 season with the champion San AntonioSpurs.
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About 1/2 months after that season ended, Massenburg got into an auto accident while driving and broke his left ankle. It took until now to work his way all the way back to where he is sure he can compete.
"Just to get to this point, just to get the invite ... is a tremendous accomplishment," he said. "For me to make the team would be even better."
And, if Massenburg, a 13-year veteran, makes the Washington Wizards' roster, he would have a chance to play for a league-record 13th franchise.
"I'm happy to be here, there's no question about that. I'm definitely enthused about the opportunity," he said. "It's not easy to roll the dice on a guy who's 40."
Massenburg also has playedfor the Grizzlies in Vancouver and Memphis, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he shares the NBA record for most teams with Chucky Brown and Jim Jackson.
Rollin' along
The Houston Rockets signed Dikembe Mutombo to a one-year contract, extending the 41-year-old center's NBA career into a 16thseason.
"I'm going to enjoy every second and every minute of my last year in the NBA," he said.
Just don't expect the 7-2, 260-pound Mutombo to play a full game anymore.
"I'm too old to be going out there andplaying 37 minutes again," he said. "I don't know what I've got left in my tanks."Quote of the day
"You shut out an SEC
team, a good team, and there may be a lot of
hooting and hollering
going on. But not until then." Ole Miss Coach Ed Orgeron on beating Louisiana Tech 24-0
Sports, Pages 28 on 10/07/2007