With Fisher considered a candidate to become the new head coach of the Lakers, the five-time NBA champion fielded some interesting questions after his season came to an end. Fisher was asked how he’d handle coaching former teammate and longtime friend, Kobe Bryant. The former Laker said the following, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman:
Fish on coaching Kobe: "I hadn't thought about that much. But when you're brothers, you're brothers, regardless of what capacity it's in."
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
Fisher also said the following about possibly coaching Kobe next season via Mayberry:
More Fisher on possibly coaching Kobe: "If something like that were to happen, we're brothers so we'll figure it out."
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
At this point in time, Byron Scott appears to be the favorite to land the job in Los Angeles. Scott is confident he’s got a leg up on the competition for arguably the most desirable head coaching position in the NBA while Fisher remains undecided if he’ll have a shot at coaching next year.
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With Fisher and Scott both having played with Kobe and maintaining a close relationship with the superstar over the years, it would be safe to say that the team could have them at the top of the list of candidates.
Other big-name coaches have been mentioned as candidates like George Karl, Lionel Hollins and Jeff Van Gundy, but the team may want a familiar face to run the show rather than someone that has no links to the franchise.
GM Mitch Kupchak did say that he hopes the team can hire a coach before the 2014 NBA draft on June 26 basically forcing Fisher to make a decision quickly. The New York Knicks will be in the hunt for Fisher as well. Phil Jackson also wants a familiar face to help run the team in New York and after being unable to bring in Steve Kerr, Fisher may be the frontrunner for the Knicks.
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VIDEO: Derek Fisher On Relationship Kobe Bryant
