Fisher Is Suddenly a Rookie All-Star

General Manager Mitch Kupchak approached Derek Fisher after practice Monday with what seemed to be a simple query: Would you rather go home to Little Rock, Ark., this weekend or to Cleveland?

“I thought it was a trick question,” Fisher said.

Not even close. More like the invitation for Fisher to replace the injured Stephon Marbury in the rookie all-star game Saturday at Gund Arena, one he greeted with a huge smile, was thrilled to accept and made the Lakers the first team in the three-year history of the event to have three representatives.

The nod to the play of Fisher, Travis Knight and Kobe Bryant, all of whom have made significant contributions to the team with the best record in the Western Conference, is also indirect recognition for the front office and coaches, all of whom acquired and developed the young talent. But Fisher making it after originally being passed over is justice in that he had the biggest role of any Laker rookie at the time of voting, only to lose out to Marbury, Matt Maloney and Steve Nash for one of the the three guard spots on the eight-man team.

“I wasn’t on at first, but this situation, for them to still have me in mind, that makes me feel good,” Fisher said.

“That lets you know they really think you deserved to be there. I just got caught in a numbers game before.”

Marbury was forced out by a bruised thigh. He has not played since Jan. 21.