Photo Caption Contest: Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher exchange high fives
The bond between Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisherreaches many levels. The two both clicked well as rookies during the Lakers' 1996-97 season. It strengthened during the five championship runs they had together. And it revealed deeply rooted validity when Bryant revealed during the NBA Finals a long-held notion that Fisher truly is the only one with the clout to publicly and privately challenge him and when Fisher revealed Bryant is the main reason he agreed to re-sign with the Lakers this offseason.
They displayed that mutual respect as the final minute ticked down during the Lakers' 99-95 victory Wednesday over the Phoenix Suns. Fisher's 18-foot jumper gave the Lakers a 99-92 lead with 45 seconds remaining, overshadowed an otherwise poor performance in which he hit one of six shots and picked up a technical foul for pushing Phoenix's Marcin Gortat and prompted Bryant and Fisher to exchange a low high-five.
"That's my man," Bryant said recently of Fisher. "Everybody knows our story. That's my dude."
The photo reveals plenty of things: the utmost respect the two have for each other despite the disparity in talent levels, how they have their handshake down pat and that the preceding play sealed the victory. Share your captions and the best ones will be featured in a Friday post.
Photo: Kobe Bryant, left, congratulates teammate Derek Fisher after taking a seven-point lead over the Phoenix Suns with 45 seconds remaining Wednesday. Credit: Ralph Freso / Associated Press
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
"Best two out of three falls...."
Posted by: 63 Footer | January 06, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Bryant: "D-Fish, tell me again how many championships we've been through together."
Fisher: "This many, Kobe--5."
Bryant: "That's what I thought! Slap me 'five' for a threepeat!"
Posted by: Bianca T. | January 06, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Bryant: "No Fish, THIS is how you dougie!"
Posted by: Bianca T. | January 06, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Give a man a fish... you have fed him for a day. Give The Lakers D. Fish... you have fed the Give and Go forever.
Posted by: Anthony | January 06, 2011 at 01:15 PM
MM,
Wouldn't the hug in middle court pic be better for captions?
Posted by: Magia32 | January 06, 2011 at 01:19 PM
" Fish you finally hit an easy shot "
Posted by: S Perkins | January 06, 2011 at 01:20 PM
Kobe: nice shot, we going to Sizzler & this how many pieces of cheese bread you get!
Or
Kobe: I had to explain to them that all 5 of my championship trophies are about this high.
Derek: did you let them know your mvp trophy was about this high?
Or
Kobe: how does "the dougie go again?"
Dfish: you start off like this
Posted by: j-Logic | January 06, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Kobe, pull my finger.....no way derek, you pull my finger
Posted by: I hearned that | January 06, 2011 at 01:32 PM
MM
Nice little piece. Recently I was chastised rather heavy-handedly by a blogger for opining that on a certain level, Fish has done as much for Kobe as Kobe has done for Fish. That comment was actually made during a rare civil discussion between me and hobbitmage and then was subsequently taken out of context by the aforementioned blogger. This article puts that comment right back into context. Thank you.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Kobe - Lamar is going to do his reality show...
Fish - Can you say "guest appearance"
Kobe - High Five down low brother...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | January 06, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Kobe: "Those yellow laces look dope, I'm so gonna swipe them right outta your shoes!"
Fish: "Not if I block you with my hand like this - Kachaow!"
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe Town | January 06, 2011 at 01:34 PM
"Best two out of three falls...."
Posted by: 63 Footer | January 06, 2011 at 01:05 PM
=====
Who are the opponents in the tag team match, Raja Bell and Luis Scola?
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:35 PM
DREW’S FIRST 5 GAMES AS A STARTER !!!
………………………………………………………………..
Since Andrew Bynum’s return to the starting lineup, the Lakers have posted a 4-1 record. During the 5-games, the Lakers have averaged 99.4 ppg on offense and 93.6 ppg on defense. Their 4 wins included 2 blowouts and 2 4-point victories while their only defeat was the disappointing blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies to kick off the new year.
…
Personally, Drew has posted averages of 27.4 minutes, 12.4 points (on 64.3% shooting), 9.0 boards (incl 2.4 offensive), 1.0 assists, 1.0 turnovers, and 2.0 blocks over the 5-game stretch. Meanwhile, Pau Gasol averaged 34.2 minutes, 13.6 points (on 57.4% shooting), 8.8 boards (incl 1.8 offensive), 2.6 assists, 1.8 turnovers, and 1.6 blocks over the same period.
…
Bottom line, it is very encouraging for the Lakers to see Drew’s performance and confidence increasing with each game, especially since Pau continues to struggle against tougher defense. Last night, Drew continued his outstanding offensive effort with several outstanding low post moves while adding several impressive rebounds and two game-changing blocked shots that triggered Lakers runs. Best of all, Drew has shown great effort and hustle in every game.
…
What has become clearer and clearer for Lakers fans is that Andrew Bynum is the key to the team three-peating. With other elite teams having bulked and bullied up to better match up against the Lakers, we need the interior defense and shot blocking intimidation Drew brings to the table as well as the low post presence and high percentage shots he provides us on offense. Drew is both our defensive anchor and the key our ability to play inside-out basketball.
………………………………………………………………..
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | January 06, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Kobe, pull my finger.....no way derek, you pull my finger
Posted by: I hearned that | January 06, 2011 at 01:32 PM
-----------
Gotta admit...this one had me lmao...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | January 06, 2011 at 01:36 PM
63 Footer
You will appreciate this clip. It's long (8:18) but well worth it. It features Gorilla Monsoon and Muhammad Ali, with a young Vince McMahon as the announcer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOvtofjL1i8
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Kobe, pull my finger.....no way derek, you pull my finger
Posted by: I hearned that | January 06, 2011 at 01:32 PM
====
ROFLMFAO!! Great!
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:39 PM
FYI,
Those are not high fives.
They are called low fives.
Posted by: Altered Carbon | January 06, 2011 at 01:41 PM
DF: ez
KB: that's what she said...
DF: how low can you go?
KB: this low
Posted by: tibolol | January 06, 2011 at 01:41 PM
LT
Great observations and stats on Andrew Bynum at 01:35 PM. You can also tell that he carries himself in a more mature, veteran manner than years past. That little wrap around pass to LO on the block last night was evidence of his maturing as a player. There is no reason short of the unmentionable why he shouldn't be the very best we have ever seen him come playoff time. If he plays to his capabilities, there is no reason why the Lakers shouldn't reach the Finals again. They just need to get their hunger back.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Kobe: Way to knock that down Fish.
Fish: You know I got your back. Always have...always will!
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 01:48 PM
If not for the finger injury Kobe is the best clutch shooter ever..Kip up the gud Kobe..go for 3peat lakers..
Posted by: Jhay_kb24 | January 06, 2011 at 01:49 PM
@I Hearned that
PRICELESS! LOL!
an interesting take on our beloved Ron Ron:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Ron-Artest-may-be-Randy-Moss-of-Los-Angeles-Lakers-010611
I'm still rooting for Thriller to prove all of his doubters wrong this season. The last couple of games have been a good start.
Posted by: mclyne | January 06, 2011 at 01:55 PM
How can additional drama help Lamar to be a more focused Laker?
It can't.
Posted by: Jon K. | January 06, 2011 at 11:23 AM
------------------------
Jon K - It could make Lamar a happier Laker, and if he's happy he could play better. He asked the team permission and they granted it. What if they had told him NO? How do you think that would've impacted his attitude?
I'm of the belief that when a company goes out of their way to make an employee happy, that the employee will be more productive...and will go over and above for the company. (At least that was my experience as a manager). That's also why I was a strong believer in allowing Bynum to take his trip to South Africa before having his surgery. I think its this type of attitude that has made Dr. Buss the best owner in sports and Phil such a great coach. It's not just about the x's and o's.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 01:59 PM
I'm of the belief that when a company goes out of their way to make an employee happy, that the employee will be more productive...and will go over and above for the company. (At least that was my experience as a manager). That's also why I was a strong believer in allowing Bynum to take his trip to South Africa before having his surgery. I think its this type of attitude that has made Dr. Buss the best owner in sports and Phil such a great coach. It's not just about the x's and o's.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 01:59 PM
--------------
Brother LRob - are you going for back 2 back Friedmans...lol
Great post...being a manager and department head in the retail industry for 20 years...what you said is absolutely true...Same thing even when I had a team of agents working for Lews Allstars...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | January 06, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Dynamite interview with Jim Cleamons. I loved it. I'm one of those weirdos whose favorite period of NBA basketball was during the 70's before the three-point shot was instituted. To me, the 1969-70 Knicks, 1971-72 Lakers and 1976-77 Trail Blazers were among the greatest TEAMS in NBA history. People forget that the infusion of 4 ABA teams and a dispersal draft of former ABA players (including Artis Gilmore, Maurice Lucas and Moses Malone) improved the quality of the league notwithstanding the general disinterest in the NBA by the American sports public. I remember Cleamons' playing days, his best years being in the mid-70's with the Cavs. He's another class act and one of the bonds that will have this Lakers team in the right place come playoff time. Thanks for the read.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 01:02 PM
----------------------------
MVP - I also was a big fan of that era. That 76 Cavs team with Cleamons, Foots Walker, Jim Chones, Campy Russell, Austin Carr, Synder, Bingo Smith, Jim Brewer, Thurmond was a very talented team. It all came together for them that year. They played great team basketball much like the much like those Knicks teams....and Cleamons was glue to that team.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 02:07 PM
(Fish saying to himself ) " I'm the Man " Even though my shooting is pathetic !!!
Posted by: S Perkins | January 06, 2011 at 02:07 PM
No practice tomorrow...YES!!
Posted by: deezy76 | January 06, 2011 at 02:08 PM
@MVP – You’re right about Blake not finishing well. It’s to the point now that he rarely even attempts to finish lately. I would guess that 95% of his shots are outside of the paint. There was a 3-4 game stretch where all his shots were 3pt attempts.
@LakerTom – Thanks for the breakdown of Drew’s numbers since he’s been starting. Very good summary of what Drew brings to the table. I've also noticed the increased effort and hustle.
I wouldn't say he's "the key", but one of the key’s. Kobe’s the most important - of course, then Pau, then LO, then Drew. Without any of those big 4 the Lakers can't 3peat. And Ron probably deserves to be in that group also.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 02:12 PM
S Perkins,
Cmon man, Let Fisher have this thread already.
Isn't the way he embarrasses himself on the court every night enough for you?
S Perkins, enough with your bad jokes already.
Posted by: Magia32 | January 06, 2011 at 02:13 PM
I wouldn't say he's "the key", but one of the key’s. Kobe’s the most important - of course, then Pau, then LO, then Drew. Without any of those big 4 the Lakers can't 3peat. And Ron probably deserves to be in that group also.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Yo L, I noticed Fisher's nowhere to be mentioned in your post here. ;)
OK I'll stop now.
Posted by: Magia32 | January 06, 2011 at 02:16 PM
'After 15 years, this is as high as I can go!'
Posted by: NuggetsCountry | January 06, 2011 at 02:18 PM
I'm of the belief that when a company goes out of their way to make an employee happy, that the employee will be more productive...and will go over and above for the company. (At least that was my experience as a manager). That's also why I was a strong believer in allowing Bynum to take his trip to South Africa before having his surgery. I think its this type of attitude that has made Dr. Buss the best owner in sports and Phil such a great coach. It's not just about the x's and o's.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 01:59 PM
====
Another RCOTD quality post! Great stuff both in originality and perspective. I did not look at it that way. My buddy who I share seats with at the Lakers games is a producer/production manager of a prime time ABC television show and I know the hours that go into producing those type of shows based on what he tells me and my own observations on his set. I do not, however, know what is involved in producing a reality show. If Lamar didn't have the time, obviously he wouldn't do this, so I will now defer to your perspective, my friend! Oh, and belated congrats on today's Friedman.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 02:23 PM
@LRob
Can you please come and give a management speech at my workplace?
Posted by: mclyne | January 06, 2011 at 02:33 PM
MVP - I also was a big fan of that era. That 76 Cavs team with Cleamons, Foots Walker, Jim Chones, Campy Russell, Austin Carr, Synder, Bingo Smith, Jim Brewer, Thurmond was a very talented team. It all came together for them that year. They played great team basketball much like the much like those Knicks teams....and Cleamons was glue to that team.
Posted by: LRob | January 06, 2011 at 02:07 PM
=====
Yep, it was a very young team with old Nate Thurmond, at 34, by far its elder statesman, and he played limited minutes behind Jim Chones. They had very balanced scoring, won 49 games and lost in 6 games to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | January 06, 2011 at 02:34 PM
@MM
The link to the new thread seems to be broken...
Posted by: mclyne | January 06, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Laker tom great observation, i had'nt realized we had done as well, i've been away..
happy new year all, God bless you all
thanks for the laughs,
I agree on the cleveland team, they were fun to watch, played hard....that one always reminded me of al attles golden state with wilkes and all, seemed attles used a 9 man bench when most were using 7....he had em runnin, but the cleveland team was a phenom
Posted by: I hearned that | January 06, 2011 at 03:18 PM
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ashbrown | January 06, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Kobe to Fish: That's how we do it "dudee!"
Posted by: frmkt | January 06, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Caption: Yo, Fish, when you visited the Heat, exactly how far below whale poop were they?
Posted by: CornerJ | January 06, 2011 at 03:44 PM
Fisher: "Hey Kobe! Up high...Down low..."
Posted by: Owen | January 06, 2011 at 03:47 PM
Kobe: to easyyyyy. Fish:give me some of that
Posted by: Otto | January 06, 2011 at 03:57 PM
HOW MANY MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS DO WE HAVE THEN LEBRON? GIVE ME FIVE!
Posted by: Brian Alvarez | January 06, 2011 at 03:59 PM
My Brother,
I think that will do it Game Over.
Posted by: Ross Snyder Park | January 06, 2011 at 04:29 PM
"Sun-rise, Sun-set!"
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 06, 2011 at 05:08 PM
these posts are sounding like someone pulled the finger
Posted by: I hearned that | January 06, 2011 at 06:02 PM
We do the next one on our backs, OK?
Posted by: Jim Shearer | January 06, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Fisher: Down Low!?!
(Kobe whiffs)
Fisher: Too Slow!
(Fisher giggles)
Posted by: up high down low | January 06, 2011 at 07:57 PM
I think some of you guys need to get a life with those comments hahahaha
Posted by: cofm99 | January 06, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Magia32 - That's not a bad idea either. I simply go to The Times' photo gallery which is compiled from either our own staffers or select AP photos. I can only use those photos since using anything outside of that would violate copyright laws. So if I see a funny or interesting photo from that collection, I'll feature it.
Posted by: Mark Medina | January 06, 2011 at 09:42 PM
"HIGH 5!" -Kobe doing Borat
Posted by: Jalebi | January 06, 2011 at 10:17 PM
"Hurry up and slap my hand, I need to take a DUMP." -Fisher
Posted by: Jalebi | January 06, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Looks like Fisher is trying to grab Kobe's ________, while protecting his own.
Posted by: Marko | January 06, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Paper again?!!
I guess playing rock, paper, scissors is the only thing we're equal at..
Oh yeah besides having 5 RINGS!!!
Posted by: culingp | January 07, 2011 at 12:57 AM
lmao @ the lebron havin no rings joke..
Posted by: Maurice | January 07, 2011 at 03:29 AM
Tonights halftime entertainment...The Dueling Mimes!
Posted by: Pete | January 07, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Kobe: Hey Fish do you smell that?
Fish: Yes, sir. The three-peat is in the kitchen!
Posted by: RamneetKB24 | January 07, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Kobe: That's right! No one can beat the champs!
Fish: The three-peat is on its way
Posted by: RamneetKB24 | January 07, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Kobe: I have what's left of Phoenix Suns dignity stuck to my leg
Fisher: Here, let me help you wipe it off.
Posted by: Cosmosblack | January 07, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Went to a basketball game and a Greco-Roman wrestling match broke out.
Shake hands....Let's get it on!
Posted by: Cosmosblack | January 07, 2011 at 02:48 PM
SHAKE WELL BEFORE YOU SCORE A HIGH!
Posted by: L PRAVEEN KUMAR | January 11, 2011 at 02:31 PM
HEY MAN, I AM YOUR FAN !
Posted by: L PRAVEEN KUMAR | January 11, 2011 at 02:32 PM
SHAKE WELL BEFORE YOU SCORE
Posted by: L PRATHIBHA | January 11, 2011 at 02:33 PM
HEY MAN, I AM YOUR FAN !
Posted by: PRAVEEN KUMAR L | January 11, 2011 at 02:33 PM