The news of Derek Fisher re-signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder surprisingly brought mixed reactions from members around the league, but the reaction of former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant may hold as the most important.
With the news of Fisher return, Bryant appeared to be less than thrilled with the news of Fisher playing for anybody else, especially one with the Lakers' biggest rivals in the Western Conference. When asked at Laker practice whether or not Bryant was surprised Fisher rejoined the Thunder, he admitted he wasn't surprised, but that he wasn't exactly excited about it, either.
"I'm not happy about it, but he's been staying in shape the whole time. It was a tough year for him last year with all that (expletive) going on with the lockout."
Kobe is referring to Fisher's role as President of the NBA Player's Association, which forced him front and center during the negotiations between the players and the league during last year's five-plus month lockout.
But despite all this, Bryant still believes Fisher can have a positive influence on the Thunder.
"He's ready to go. I'm sure he'll make a big contribution."
The Thunder are currently 41-15, which is second place in the Western Conference, and 14 games ahead of Bryant's Lakers.
The two teams will square off next Tuesday, March 5 in Oklahoma City.
