Lakers legend Derek Fisher puzzled by lukewarm fan response to LeBron James era
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Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher said he cannot understand why a segment of the team’s fan base never fully embraced LeBron James during the star forward’s eight-season stay in Southern California.
Speaking on Yahoo Sports Daily, the five-time NBA champion reacted to news that the 41-year-old James will play elsewhere next season, ending a tenure that included the 2020 championship and multiple franchise and league records.
“A lot of people in L.A. didn’t love LeBron’s time here and it’s been confusing to me,” Fisher said. “The reaction to him deciding not to return … a lot of people have celebrated it. I’m surprised by the reaction for sure, and I think people have moved on.”
Fisher compares LeBron to lifelong Lakers icons
The longtime Lakers point guard suggested that fans more readily identify with players who begin their careers in purple and gold. He cited James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and, to a lesser extent, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal—stars who, in Fisher’s words, “felt like a piece of the fabric of L.A.”
“Other stars felt more like they became who they were as Lakers,” Fisher noted. “LeBron was already LeBron before he got here, and I think a lot of Lakers fans had a difficult time receiving that.”
Franchise pivots to Luka Dončić era
With James leaving, general manager Rob Pelinka is tasked with assembling a contender around 27-year-old Luka Dončić, who joined the club at this season’s trade deadline. A contract extension for the Slovenian guard looms, adding urgency to the offseason roster shuffle.
Despite the transition, Fisher expressed confidence in the organization’s long-term outlook. “I’m not saying this is doomsday for the Lakers,” he said. “The organization has been here for 80 years; it’ll be fine.”
Locker-room reaction
Guard Austin Reaves told reporters he sent James a lighthearted text message after the four-time MVP informed teammates of his decision, underscoring the cordial relationship between the veteran and the club’s younger core.
James departs Los Angeles having averaged 26.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists over eight seasons, while becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in 2024. His 2020 title run ended a seven-year championship drought for the Lakers.
Source: LakersNation.com
