Kobe Bryant Reveals Derek Fisher as His All-Time Favorite Lakers Teammate

Throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant shared the court with some of the NBA’s biggest legends — from Shaquille O’Neal to Pau Gasol. Together, they helped him win five championships and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.

But when asked to name his all-time favorite teammate, the Black Mamba didn’t hesitate. His choice wasn’t Shaq or Gasol. It was Derek Fisher — the steady point guard whose impact went far beyond the box score.

Why Fisher Stood Out to Kobe

Speaking to Bleacher Report, Kobe explained:

“I’d say Derek Fisher. Just because he has the attitude of a champion. That stuff is really hard to find; a person that has that kind of grit and that togetherness and that makes no excuses, gets it done by any means necessary. He’s been my favorite teammate of all time.”

Drafted together in 1996 (Kobe at No. 13, Fisher at No. 24), the two formed a partnership that spanned two separate Lakers dynasties (1996–2004, 2007–2012). Fisher’s numbers rarely stood out, but his leadership, toughness, and clutch shooting left a lasting impression on Kobe.

Fisher’s Defining Moments

Fisher’s career is filled with moments Lakers fans will never forget:

0.4-Second Miracle (2004): His buzzer-beater against the Spurs in the Western Semifinals instantly became one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
2010 NBA Finals vs. Celtics: Fisher’s clutch three-pointer in Game 4 tied the game late, swinging momentum toward the Lakers in a series they eventually won.
Five-Time Champion: Fisher and Kobe won all five of their championships together, showcasing their unique chemistry and shared determination.

As Kobe noted, Fisher’s value wasn’t about points or assists. It was about intangibles — leadership, calm under pressure, and the will to win.

The Kobe-Fisher Bond

What made Fisher special to Kobe was the trust factor. As the Lakers’ floor general, Fisher allowed Kobe to focus on scoring and defense, while keeping the team balanced.

Playoff Reliability: Fisher appeared in 193 playoff games for the Lakers, one of the most in franchise history.
Clutch Shooting: He hit 37.5% of his playoff threes, often in the biggest moments.
Locker Room Leadership: Fisher was the bridge between stars and role players, earning respect across the roster.

Kobe once said he wished Fisher could’ve retired alongside him, underscoring the depth of their bond.

What This Means for Lakers History

For fans, Kobe’s pick of Fisher is a reminder that great teams aren’t just built on superstars. Behind every dynasty are role players who sacrifice, grind, and step up in defining moments.

Shaq and Gasol may have been Kobe’s most dominant partners, but Fisher embodied the “Mamba Mentality” in his own way: unrelenting, selfless, and always ready when it mattered most.

Fisher’s Legacy Beyond Playing

After retiring in 2014, Fisher transitioned into coaching, leading the New York Knicks (2014–2016) and later the Los Angeles Sparks (2019–2022). While his coaching career had ups and downs, his reputation as a leader remains strong.

For Lakers fans, his name will always be tied to clutch shots, championship banners, and the respect of Kobe Bryant — a tribute that cements his place in franchise history.

Final Thoughts

Nearly six years after Kobe’s tragic passing, reflections like these remind fans what he valued most: trust, grit, and the pursuit of greatness. By naming Derek Fisher his all-time favorite teammate, Kobe gave credit to a player who embodied all three.

For the Lakers faithful, it’s yet another reason Fisher’s legacy will forever live in purple and gold.

Sources: Bleacher Report, Basketball Network, NBA.com for stats and historical context.