Derek Fisher’s statement to LA media

Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, traded away two weeks ago after 12 1/2 seasons with the Lakers, spoke for a little more than two minutes after the Thunder’s morning shootaround at Santa Monica High School on Thursday.

He took no questions from the 23 media members who were on hand, but is scheduled to field questions 90 minutes prior to tonight’s 9:40 p.m. game between the Thunder and Lakers at Staples Center.

Here is what Fisher said:

          “First and foremost, I’m excited to be back in the city, excited to see my friends and brothers that I consider teammates from when I was here. I’m excited to see those guys. I’m excited to see my extended type of friends sitting courtside, ticket holders, people I grew close to over the years when I was here. It’s only been a couple weeks, but it seems like so much longer, so I’m excited to get back and see everyone.

          “Like I said last week, the place that this city and these fans and everyone I grew close to over the years, they and this place will always, always hold a very special place in my heart. That will never change, but due to a number of different circumstances, I’m in Oklahoma City now and I’m extremely happy to be (in OKC). This is a very special situation, just a great group of players, a great group of guys, the staff, the community, just the right fit at the right time coming off what took place and I’m just as happy as I can be in Oklahoma City and everything that’s gone on. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing some basketball tonight in front of what used to be the home crowd. Coming in individually, I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. There’s a lot on the line in terms of the two teams, but it’s just exciting.