As the 1995-96 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Derek Fisher left Arkansas-Little Rock ranked second in points, assists and steals. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft. As a rookie, Fisher played in 80 games, making three starts and being selected to the Schick Rookie Game. Over the next several years, Derek worked his way into the starting lineup; and on a team that has seen point guards come and go, Derek has remained a fixture. Over his 8 seasons with the Lakers, Fisher has hit many memorable shots, but none has been bigger than his recent heroics against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2004 Playoffs in what many called the Lakers turning point. His presence was once again felt in the Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves as he helped catapult the Lakers into the 2004 NBA Finals.