Derek Fisher believes the reaction to LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers has revealed a complicated relationship between the franchise’s fan base and one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Speaking about James’ exit, Fisher admitted he was caught off guard by how many Lakers fans appeared relieved rather than disappointed after the four-time NBA champion chose not to return to Los Angeles.
“I am surprised that a lot of people in LA didn’t love LeBron’s time here and that it has been confusing to me the reaction to him deciding not to return to LA,” Fisher said on Yahoo Sports, via HoopsHype. “A lot of people have celebrated it and almost had a parade as though this is the greatest thing ever.”
The former Lakers guard emphasized that the organization will remain one of the league’s premier franchises regardless of James’ departure, but he questioned the tone of the public response.
“I am not saying this is doomsday for the Lakers by any means. The organization will be fine. It has been here for 80 years. It will be fine. But I am surprised that some of the reaction for sure and yeah, I think people have moved on. A lot of fans have.”
Fisher suggested the disconnect stems from how Lakers fans traditionally identify with the franchise’s biggest stars. He pointed to legends such as Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, arguing that each became deeply associated with the Lakers during the defining years of their careers.
“I think some of it, you think about the greats of Lakers past, many of those guys were kind of born and raised as Lakers for the most part,” Fisher said. “You think about James Worthy, number one draft pick. You think about Magic Johnson. Even though Kareem was traded to LA, he spent a considerable amount of time here in Los Angeles and really felt like a piece of the fabric of LA.”
He added that even O’Neal, who began his career with Orlando, is remembered primarily for what he accomplished in Los Angeles.
“And so many greats, even Shaq, eight years here. It is as though people forgot he played in Orlando as well. But it is the years here in LA that changed everything.”
According to Fisher, James arrived in Los Angeles with an already-established legacy, making it more difficult for some fans to view him through the same lens as previous Lakers icons.
“Other stars felt more like they became who they were as Lakers and I think a lot of Lakers fans had a difficult time receiving the fact that LeBron was already LeBron before he got here,” Fisher said. “He didn’t owe Lakers fans anything. He was already LeBron. And I think fans had a hard time reconciling how to fully support a guy that didn’t need support for anybody.”
James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, helping deliver the 2020 NBA championship. In his final season with the franchise, the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games as Los Angeles finished 53-29, won the Pacific Division and reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As James evaluates his next destination, recent reporting indicates his focus has shifted toward the Eastern Conference. Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia are considered the leading contenders, while Golden State and Minnesota also remain among the teams pursuing the four-time NBA champion.
