OVERVIEW: Point guard Derek Fisher delivered when it mattered most, when the Lakers needed a big basket or two against the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. He tied the score with only seconds to play and then gave the team the lead for good in overtime with a pair of 3-pointers that will go down in Lakers lore. Things went according to plan, with Fisher playing a key role when it was needed in the playoffs. He averaged only 9.9 points in 29.8 minutes during 82 regular-season games, but increased his averages to 11 points in 36 minutes during the Finals. The game plan probably will be the same next season, with Fisher playing limited minutes during the regular season and then boosting his playing time during the playoffs. It was a winning formula in 2008-09.

QUOTEWORTHY: “I know there were times people would question whether we were taking it serious enough, and if we had what it took to get this done, but we really did have a lot of fun working together.”

STRENGTH: Remarkable ability to hit big shots in the clutch.

WEAKNESS: Turns 35 in August.

GRADE: B.

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2009-10.

Next: Pau Gasol.