Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

7/12/2010 at 4:26pm

Michael Jordan needed his Scottie Pippen and Kobe Bryant needs his Derek Fisher.

Now it's official: Fisher is going to sign with the Lakers again and go for a second three-peat championship, just like Jordan and Pippen in the '90s. It's a mystery as to why these Arkansans have been such crucial pieces to the dynasties built in Los Angeles and Chicago, but regardless Fisher and Pippen have won five and six titles, respectively.

Fisher announced his return on his website and via Twitter, writing:

I took time to consider all my options, many not reported in the media.  I listened to every coach, every general manager, even potential teammates in order to make the right decision and I thank every one of them. At the end of the day, there's one person I could not turn away from. Kobe Bryant asked me to stay but supported whatever decision I made. He and I have played together for 11 seasons, came into the league together as kids, and has been loyal to me even when others had doubts. We have won five championships together.

I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles. While this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this off season, it is the most valuable.

I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court. Let the hunt for six begin...

Rumors have been swirling during the past week as the instant-contenders the Miami Heat were recruiting Fisher aggressively, believing his leadership and selflessness on the court would be a key ingredient to a first-year title for the team. Heat president Pat Riley and new Heat player LeBron James tried to woo Fisher with the idea of becoming a part of something great, which is a hard sell when you just won the championship with the Lakers.

Eventually, loyalty to Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the Lakers team won out over the Heat and other suitors. Loyalty seems to be a common theme with Arkansans and maybe that's why Pippen and Fisher have been so successful. They trusted the situation they were in, played a valuable role and it has paid dividends in the form of championship rings.

Now Fisher has work to do. With a restructured NBA landscape, new rivals and favorites will emerge, but the Lakers have their locker room leader back. Dynasties aren't built overnight, but with Fisher's signing, the Lakers' dynasty sure is looking solid after today.

Tagged: Scottie Pippen, Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, basketball, NBA, free agency