Return and Regression

Derek Fisher's return to Los Angeles is like welcoming home a battle-worn sergeant. Fisher has as many stripes on his chest as he does last second heroics in the form an effortless three point stroke. When all seemed lost in the Shaq-Kobe media fiasco, he was the voice of reason. If the days in the Hollywood limelight and garnered accolades weren't enough, he took his game to Salt Lake City where he became the heart and soul of a rejuvenated and inspired Jazz team; sinking huge jumpers in an eventual win over the red-hot Warriors.

His story was the high point in the NBA season filled with yet another round of on-court violence and the introduction and disposal of a wacky regulation ball.

Los Angeles was the right destination for Fish, who was seeking the best possible treatment for his daughter's medical condition above all else. He agreed to a 3-year, $14 million deal with the Lakers.

So there isn't much else to say, besides the fact that he is an asset to any team trying to become a contender. Laker fans are going to embrace his return. And you can bet Staples Center will be rocking when you see him take that charge in the fourth quarter.

With Fisher, what you see is what you get.


Which brings us to the second topic of the day.

Apparently, what we saw, wasn't what we (as NBA fans) got. Just when I thought sports scandals couldn't get any worse with the Michael Vick dog fighting accusation, we hear about an NBA referee fixing games to his liking to swing the gambling odds in his favor.

David Stern didn't look too happy in his press conference, that's for sure.

ESPN is all over this. And why wouldn't they be? This is another major U.S. sport making a major misstep. Calling this "isolated case" of game-fixing a misstep would be an understatement though.

This has everything to do with the image and credibility of the game, and nothing to do with an individual inclination for sports betting. But we're talking about an NBA official, who's duty as a professional referee is to uphold a certain integrity and objectivity to the games on display.

We're not watching WWF here. We're talking about the fans, franchises, and players generating hundreds of millions of dollars every year based on real unscripted basketball games.

I really do hope this case is as isolated as Stern wants us to believe. Otherwise, we're headed for a long hot summer. And you thought your neighborhood was scorching? Try sitting in David Stern or Mitch Kupchak's seat right about now.