There's almost always an upside to extended conversations with Derek Fisher, and it's typically two-fold. First, he's a given for introspective, thoughtful copy. Second, the discussion will often take unexpected turns that spotlight additionally interesting topics. Eight or so minutes with Fish after Monday's practice proved no exception.

This particular chunk of conversation began with a discussion about the recently stagnant, struggling Lakers offense, then ended up delving into the essence of what makes Phil Jackson unique and- in the eyes of many- extremely effective as a coach. Here's what Fisher had to say:

Over the last couple of games, you guys have faced a lot more double teams in the post.  Is the best way to counter those defenses just hitting outside shots?

    Some of it is shooting the ball better, but some of it is also having better spacing, so that the person that receives the pass out, if his shot isn't there for him, there's space on the floor to swing it, then swing it, (then swing it) back inside.  Those are the problems we're running into.  We're not really that concerned about guys making shots, ultimately.  We're concerned about the lack of execution that comes from if the pass is kicked out of a double team, or just offensively coming down and not ever really seeming like we've gotten into an offensive set or flow of any kind.  Those are the things that are bothering us the most, the coaches and obviously, as players.  We're confident we'll make shots if we get good open shots. 

UPDATE: It's that time of week. Send in questions or comments you'd like addressed on the air (so to speak) in this week's podcast to latimeslakers (Twitter) or kambrothers@yahoo.com.  

Here's the listing on Amazon.com.

BK

Words of wisdom from today's practice from four guys who sat at the podium to field questions.  Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Stan Van Gundy.  Read closely, and you can pick out the guys who are working on feature stories by the repetition of questions. 

Enjoy!

BK

Great photo from the LAT's Wally Skalij, before Thursday's Game 1 win. 

It's rare that pictures in front of giant novelty trophies can convey so much, but this one manages to do it on a few levels.

BK

So report both the Times' Mike Bresnahan and Lakers.com writer Mike Truddell upon attending this morning's shoot around. Both make note of Phil Jackson's inclusion of "likely" in laying out those odds, but frankly, why even go there unless that's the game plan? 

Or an attempt to fake out the Rockets, but that feels more "convoluted" than "crafty."

Such a call has been heavily speculated- BK and I were asked about it during last night's 710 ESPN Laker Insider Show- so it's hardly a shock.  Nor is it illogical by any stretch. 

Having said that, I'm nonetheless sporting mixed feelings. 

Obviously there was much to talk about after the Lakers dropped Game 2 of the NBA Finals to the Celtics in Boston Sunday night, 108-102.

Click below to read some of the reaction.

BK

Former Laker Derek Fisher will be released from his contract with the Utah Jazz to help take care of his young daughter, who'll be undergoing chemo treatment for eye cancer detected during the '07 playoffs.  Fisher said he's not retiring, but acknowledges that basketball is a secondary priority right now, which creates a need to step away from the court. 

D-Fish has always been a favorite of BK and mine, among the elite when it comes to NBA players we truly respect on and off the court.  We wish the best to his family.

-AK

Then drop by Kwame Brown's pad, because given the summer he's having, chances are he's got a few pills to spare.  While the possibility of Kwame needing shoulder surgery hasn't been a secret, dude's nonetheless spending more time under a knife than Mickey Rourke with a plastic surgeon offering "twofers."  We'll let you know when a recovery time table is announced.  Or when Kwame's scheduled to get some Lasik because he's got a couple hours to kill on a Wednesday afternoon.

-AK

But whichever lucky 15 players don the purple and gold, the Lakers must hire this cat to create their likenesses.  Seriously, that is masterful work on display (although one could make an argument that the artist perhaps needs to get out more).  And bottom line, there can't be a more intimidating sight than that of an Etch A Sketched Kobe Bryant.  Not possible.  You leave one of those renderings in the visitor's locker room as a warning sign, I guarantee the coach immediately declares a forfeit and puts his team back on the bus.  Done deal.  You just don't screw with the Etch A Sketch.

Question.  When it comes to sketching Sasha, would you prefer a vision of him hoisting from behind the arc, creating what all agree is a picture-perfect stroke?  Or would you rather see the anguish typically boiling over 1.4 times every 12:48 minutes, that moment of "me against the world" emotion commonly referred to as "the face?" 

Me?  I'm voting "face."

-AK

Anyone want to take a guess at the verdict?

BK