Los Angeles Lakers plan to speak with Derek Fisher

The Lakers head coaching search has been widespread, with many candidates having been brought in. While the Lakers have remained relatively for most of the last week, they’ll likely start making headlines as they intend to speak with recently retired Derek Fisher.

Obviously, Fisher has a storied history with the Lakers. While with the Los Angeles-based franchise, Fisher won five titles over two different stints with the team. In the early 2000s, Fisher was a key role player either off the bench or as a part-time starter. During the late 2000s, the Arkansas-Little Rock alumni was the starter and a vocal leader of the squad, as well as a trusted teammate of superstar Kobe Bryant.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

• NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
• Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
• Bronny James collapses at practice, taken to ICU with cardiac arrest
• NBA Rumors: Lakers nearing another savvy minimum signing
• Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Fisher has long been rumored not only as a candidate for the Lakers, but also for Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks. Most recently, Jackson was fined $25,000 for speaking with Fisher prior to him officially retiring.

For the Lakers, they have interviewed numerous candidates, with the most recent and highest profiled one to date being George Karl. Included in those interviewed have been Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, Alvin Gentry, and Lionel Hollins, all former coaches. Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers expect to have a coach by the NBA Draft, but have not narrowed down their search by any means, still completing an initial interview process.

After losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, Fisher officially retired from the NBA  but is hopeful to either gain a head coaching job or become a member of a coaching staff. While the Lakers are where he spent most his career, Jackson and the Knicks remain an intriguing prospect.