Fisher Has Earned More Minutes

The short-term good his play has meant for the Lakers is slated to have long-term benefits for Derek Fisher, now in line for a role of just slightly less prominence even after Nick Van Exel returns as soon as this weekend.

Van Exel could regain his spot in the opening lineup in a week or so, after the incumbent, forced to the sideline by arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, likely plays the first few games back under doctor-imposed time limits. But Coach Del Harris, clearly pleased at the way the temporary starter responded to the big minutes and the even bigger responsibilities, said he has no plans to return Fisher to a limited role.

“I’ll probably divide up the time a little different than before,” Harris said. “Partly to save Nick and partly because Derek has played so well.”

Fisher averaged 13.2 minutes in the last 10 games in a reserve role before Van Exel went out, the last appearance of the all-star coming Feb. 15 against the Rockets at the Great Western Forum. Fisher then averaged 40 minutes in 13 games as a starter, including 41 Thursday against the Clippers, and turned that opportunity into the best stretch of his two-year career.

“It’s definitely going to make it easier on me,” Van Exel said of Fisher being expected to get more time down the stretch. “When your backup can come in and do the job as good as you can, there’s no pressure [to play all the time].”