Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher expressed surprise at how many fans appeared relieved rather than disappointed after LeBron James left the franchise. Speaking with Yahoo Sports, Fisher said the reaction has been “confusing,” noting that some supporters treated the All-Star’s departure almost like a celebration.
Fisher, who won five NBA titles with the Lakers, emphasized that the organization remains stable after more than 80 years but acknowledged that a significant portion of the fan base has already “moved on.”
Different relationship than past icons
According to Fisher, timing played a key role in the lukewarm reception James received compared with other Lakers greats. He pointed to players such as James Worthy, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, who spent their formative NBA years in Los Angeles, as well as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal, who logged lengthy stints that helped weave them into the fabric of the city.
By contrast, Fisher said many fans struggled to embrace James because the four-time MVP had already cemented his legacy before arriving in Southern California.
Eight seasons, one championship
James spent eight seasons with the Lakers and led the franchise to an NBA championship in 2020. While Fisher stressed that James’ tenure was successful, he noted that, fairly or not, some supporters never viewed the veteran forward in the same light as homegrown stars who built their reputations in purple and gold.
The Lakers now turn to the future, confident in the organization’s enduring appeal despite the mixed feelings surrounding the end of James’ time in Los Angeles.
Source: Hoops Wire
