Derek Fisher Looking Like the Lakers' MVP

For all the talk about his mental and emotional impact on the Lakers, Derek Fisher’s on-court contribution could be even bigger in 2007-08. Entering the season, Fisher’s return to the Lakers was supposed to be as much as a mentor to the team’s young players and stabilizing influence in the locker room as a full-time point guard, but after his 17-point, 4-steal, 1 turnover performance on Tuesday night, it looks like his acquisition could pay its biggest dividends in the form of his on-court production. With Jordan Farmar not quite ready to take over the full compliment of responsibilities that go with the position and 2007 first-round selection Javaris Crittenton still in need of quite a bit of seasoning before he can become a regular contributor, the Lakers may look to Derek Fisher to play 35+ minutes a night and score 12-15 points per game.