Free Agency: Fisher Makes it Official

Fisher Signs the Dotted Line

The Los Angeles Lakers officially signed Derek Fisher today to a three-year, $14-million contract. In a press conference earlier today, Fisher said he would hope that his return to LA would calm Kobe Bryant down, influencing Kobe Bryant's stance on being traded. "I can't say it will - I hope so," Fisher said. "I don't come in here feeling like I'm the answer to anything, but I hope that I get a chance to play with him forever." Fisher will be expected to be the Los Angeles Lakers' starting point guard this season, helping to groom Javaris Crittenton and Jordan Farmar, the Los Angeles Lakers' past two first-round picks, into ideal triangle offense point guards. Fisher chose Los Angeles for its exemplary medical facilities to help treat his daughter's bout with eye cancer.

Mihm Joins Him

The Los Angeles Lakers also re-signed Chris Mihm to a two-year, $5-million deal. Mihm had received overtures from various teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, and Philadelphia 76ers, but ultimately decided to come back to Los Angeles. With Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum already on the squad, it is very possible that the Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a move that sends Kwame Brown's expiring $9-million contract out in a package with one of the Los Angeles Lakers' young point guards (Javaris Crittenton or Jordan Farmar).

Bye-bye Ersan, Hello Big Jake

Ersan Ilyasova has decided to leave the Milwaukee Bucks ... and the NBA altogether. Ilyasova has decided to sign a two-year, $5-million offer from the Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. He was tendered a qualifying offer from the Bucks in June which will allow them to keep his NBA rights if he decides to return - the contract Ilyasova signed with Barcelona does not have a buyout clause, making it easier for him to return. After losing Ilyasova, the Bucks locked up Jake Voskuhl to a one-year, $3-million to add some depth up front. Voskuhl will be the primary backup to Andrew Bogut at center, further pushing back the disappointing Dan Gadzuric on the depth chart. Voskuhl opted out of the last year of his contract with the Charlotte Bobcats and became a free agent last month.

Francis Takes Less Money for Houston

With many options as an unrestricted free agent after the Blazers released him, Steve Francis took less money to join the Rockets over better deals with the Miami HEAT, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. Francis' deal is worth $2.4-million the first year and he can opt out after one season. With four point guards now on Houston's roster, the team may look into a deal that brings them some depth in the paint behind Luis Scola and Yao Ming.

Floor Generals in Demand

Brevin Knight, Jannero Pargo, and Smush Parker are the only names out there in free agency for teams to pluck up now that Francis is off the market. Knight will likely receive overtures from the Clippers and HEAT while both Pargo and Parker are in the mix as well. Teams looking for a backup point guard will certainly be contacted these three soon.

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