How We Got Here: The Construction Of The 2009 Lakers

The 2009 Western Conference Champion Los Angeles Lakers are a diverse group of veterans and youngsters.  Some were drafted, some traded for.  To understand how the Lakers got to where they are today, the NBA Finals, let's take a look at how they were brought together.

Derek Fisher is the elder statesman of the team, drafted in 1996 by the Lakers.  He saw the rise and fall of the Lakers dynasty at the turn of the century and was present for all three championships under Phil Jackson.  However, in the midst of the Shaq/Kobe drama and the breakup of those two superstars, Fisher left as a Free Agent for Golden State and was subsequently traded two year later to Utah.  He once again found himself in Los Angeles wearing purple and gold in 2007,...

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