Los Angeles Lakers: 3 other legends whose numbers should be retired

No. 2 — Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher never earned the accolades. Throughout his 13 seasons with the Lakers, not once was he named an All-Star or to an All-NBA team. He never came anywhere close to winning any major awards.

What he did do, though, was give the Lakers dependable play, clutch shooting and veteran leadership. Everything he brought to the table helped them secure the five championships he played a pivotal role in.

Yes, Fisher wasn’t a star scorer. His career average of 7.9 points per game with the Lakers wasn’t anything to write home about. He wasn’t a true facilitator either (2.9 assists per game) and didn’t stuff the stat sheet defensively (1.1 steals per game), but he made the big plays when they mattered most.

I probably don’t need examples, but I’ll give one iconic instance anyway. How about the 0.4 shot?

That not enough to convince you of his superior clutch? Here are a few more of his biggest shots throughout his NBA career to further make my case.

Put simply, the guy had ice in his veins. The fact that the Lakers routinely went to him even with a player like Bryant in the same lineup makes it all the more impressive. Even when he wasn’t given the last-second shot, his leadership and cool veteran presence always helped the Lakers through difficult times.

For that reason, Fisher deserves to see his No. 2 jersey up in the rafters of Staples Center. There would obviously be some issues with that, seeing as the Lakers’ new face of the franchise, Lonzo Ball, is currently wearing that number.

Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)

Regardless, Fisher made enough of a mark on this team to warrant the designation.