Lakers acquire Sessions and Jordan Hill, trade Derek Fisher

[benji]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/stor ... -cavaliers

The Lakers got the young point guard in Ramon Sessions that they've been searching for since the eve of training camp when the Chris Paul trade fell through. But before L.A. could say hello to Sessions, it had to say goodbye to Derek Fisher.

The Lakers first traded Jason Kapono, Luke Walton and their 2012 first-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Sessions and forward Christian Eyenga on Thursday, and in a subsequent deal sent Fisher and the first-round pick acquired from Dallas in the Lamar Odom trade to Houston for center Jordan Hill.

While Sessions, 25, is much younger than the 37-year-old Fisher and undoubtedly in a better position to help the team moving forward than Fisher would be, Kupchak admitted that trading away Fisher, the team's co-captain who was drafted by the franchise in 1996 and went on to win five championships with the team, left him with reservations.

"I'm concerned, yes," Kupchak said in a news conference Thursday afternoon. "I'm not sure that it will translate into a team that performs any less ... but, you can't underestimate Derek's contribution from a chemistry point of view and on the court that he's given to this organization. It can't be underestimated and you can't say that this team is going to wake up tomorrow and play as if he was never here."

Kupchak said that once the Lakers had a deal in place to obtain Sessions, who the GM admitted the Lakers have coveted since last season, he pursued the Houston trade to unload Fisher because it would not make sense -- roster wise or financially -- to have four point guards with Sessions, Fisher, Steve Blake and rookie Darius Morris.

Kupchak said a consideration was also made regarding how awkward a a potential transition would have been to keep Fisher and have him accept a supporting role behind Sessions after Fisher's years of starting.

"I know he would have been professional," Kupchak said. "Personally, I think it would have been a tough position to put a player like him in ... It's just hard to do."

Kupchak characterized the trades as "something that we did as an organization, trying to get younger and more athletic."

[The X]

I like the pickup of Sessions. I would've also liked to see them get Beasley as scoring punch off bench, but all good.

[Cleveland wins]

Very good pick up for the Lakers, Sessions as a starter is capable of getting 6 assists a game, being a player who loves to pass. He was a good assist man for the Cavs when Irving was out and Sessions was starting, very nice passer. Now as a STARTER or better be one for the Lakers, he can be one of the main ball handlers and pass it to Kobe to shoot from the outside, or to Bynum or Gasol inside. If successful, i see Sessions being almost Steve Nash-like in assists, getting 6 or more per game.

Lol how many 1st round draft picks does this make for the Cavaliers since last season? Ha ha ha, Cavs are getting a tone of breaks.

[_Steve_]

I like the pickup of Sessions. I would've also liked to see them get Beasley as scoring punch off bench, but all good.

I guess the Wolves were just not so happy with what the Lakers could offer for Beasley and I'm very glade the did no Pau for Beasley + X trade...

[The X]

Lakers were never going to deal Gasol unless they got an All-Star (i.e. Dwight, Rondo etc) back in the trade.

[_Steve_]

Lakers were never going to deal Gasol unless they got an All-Star (i.e. Dwight, Rondo etc) back in the trade.

Well, that's what I wanted to say...

[JBoom_LALALAND]

At least my twin towers are still twins ...

[Lamrock]

Lakers grab a couple underrated players here. Sessions is the best PG they've had in years, while Hill will look good compared to the rest of the Laker bench.

[Axel The Great]

Never liked Derek Fisher, don't see what he'll bring to the table other than championship experience. I would, however, not disagree to play him in closing moments of fourth quarters.

I'm more neutral about this trade. Jordan Hill was the starting center at the beginning of the year, but after Dalembert's rise he fell off the minutes per game log.

[kevin02]

Sad to see Sessions go but a much better situation for him in LA. The cavs have two 1st round and two 2nd round draft picks though so one of them has to turn out to be a solid player.

[Kenny]

The Lakers did well... unfortunately. I never really understood the criticism of Jordan Hill, because he seemed pretty decent the few times I saw him play. And Sessions will have an opportunity to develop with some awesome offensive options to pass to.

It'll be a good trade for Houston if they can buyout Fisher.

[Jayson Silverio]

Having Sessions on LAL Roster is good addition though i hate D-Fish traded to the rockets for Hill.

[123rockstar]

Having Sessions on LAL Roster is good addition though i hate D-Fish traded to the rockets for Hill.

I agree. Derrick Fisher would always bleed purple and gold. A true champion. Best wishes Derrick my man.

[JBoom_LALALAND]

I thought Fisher would last fish in the rivers of LA,
but it seems like he will end his career in Texas.
A real sad situation.

On the bright side, Gasol is still wearing purple and gold.

[NovU]

Fisher will be bought out but won't be able to sign with the Lakers untill later.

He needs to come to Miami and win another ring in the meantime. #miaFanBoi

[Andrew]

In terms of sentimentality, it's a shame they had to part with Fisher given what he's meant to the team but from a basketball standpoint it's a no-brainer. Fine acquisition for the Lakers.

[Nick]

I love this for the Lakers. Sessions is a perfect fit for them and should thrive there.

[Andrew]

Meanwhile: Derek Fisher reaches buyout with Rockets

It'll be interesting to see where he latches on. Perhaps San Antonio, in the wake of Ford's retirement and subsequent trade.

[_Steve_]

Meanwhile: Derek Fisher reaches buyout with Rockets

It'll be interesting to see where he latches on. Perhaps San Antonio, in the wake of Ford's retirement and subsequent trade.

..or Minnesota at least for the reminder of this season.
If he isn't keen on moving away from LA, he could sign with the Clippers...

[Andrew]

True, though if it's a contender he's after I'm guessing a team like the Spurs are a more likely destination.

[Andrew]

Fisher signs with the Thunder.

Good move for both sides, I'd say. The Thunder won't be relying on Fisher for heavy minutes but could still benefit from having him around, Fisher goes to the team with the top record in the conference. He showed a lot of class in his statement, too.

[_Steve_]

Crowd seems to love Fish. Still strange to see him not in a Lakers uniform.

[JBoom_LALALAND]

i think Fisher would just add some options for the Thunder down the clutch.
If KD would be double teamed, then Fisher could knock down the open shot.

But for the Lakers, this was a great move.
Sessions had a great game against Dallas.
I think, the more they develop their chemisty, the more this team can be more powerful. But right now, purple and gold settles at the 3rd seed.

[Stress Fracture]

Crowd seems to love Fish. Still strange to see him not in a Lakers uniform.

So it was strange for you back then when he donned a Warriors and a Jazz jerseys?

[Andrew]

I'm guessing it probably was. Those were very short stints compared to his tenure with the Lakers though.