What Happened to Derek Lamar Fisher?
Derek Fisher is a five-time NBA champion who transitioned from a successful playing career, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers, to coaching roles in both the NBA and WNBA. He currently serves as a high school basketball coach and an NBA television analyst, maintaining a presence in the basketball world.
Quick Answer
Derek Fisher, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, retired from playing in 2014 and moved into coaching, notably with the New York Knicks (2014-2016) and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks (2019-2022). As of August 2023, he is the head coach for Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, and joined NBC Sports as an NBA game analyst for the 2025-26 season. He also recently commented on potential NBA trades in February 2026 and his relationship with Matt Barnes was discussed in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas
Derek Lamar Fisher was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Drafted by Los Angeles Lakers
Fisher was selected 24th overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wins Three Consecutive NBA Championships
As a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Fisher won three consecutive NBA championships.
Daughter Diagnosed with Retinoblastoma
Fisher's daughter, Tatum, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, leading him to request release from his contract with the Utah Jazz to be with his family.
Wins Two More NBA Championships
Fisher returned to the Lakers and won two additional NBA championships, bringing his total to five.
Retires as NBA Player
Derek Fisher retired from his 18-season NBA playing career.
Hired as New York Knicks Head Coach
Fisher was hired by his former coach Phil Jackson, then president of the Knicks, to be the team's head coach.
Fired by New York Knicks and Divorces Candace Patton
Fisher was fired by the Knicks during his second season, and he also divorced his wife of 10 years, Candace Patton.
Named Head Coach of Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
Fisher was appointed as the head coach and general manager for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
Marries Gloria Govan
After postponing due to the pandemic, Derek Fisher married Gloria Govan in Malibu, California.
Parts Ways with Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks and Fisher mutually agreed to part ways as head coach and general manager.
Hired as Head Coach for Crespi Carmelite High School
Fisher was announced as the new head basketball coach for Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California.
Joins NBC Sports as NBA Analyst
Derek Fisher joined NBC Sports as a game analyst for their NBA coverage, starting with the 2025-26 season.
Comments on Ja Morant Trade Speculation
Fisher offered his analysis on the potential for a Ja Morant trade, suggesting a change of scenery could be beneficial for the player.
Matt Barnes Discusses Amicable Relationship with Fisher
Matt Barnes publicly stated that he and Derek Fisher are now on good terms, having moved past their past conflict to focus on co-parenting.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Derek Lamar Fisher, born August 9, 1974, carved out a distinguished 18-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), predominantly as a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Drafted 24th overall in 1996, Fisher became a crucial component of five Lakers championship teams (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) alongside stars like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal under coach Phil Jackson. Known for his clutch shooting and leadership, he held the NBA record for most playoff games played (259) at the time of his retirement in 2014, a record later surpassed by LeBron James.
Following his playing career, Fisher transitioned to coaching. In June 2014, he was hired as the head coach of the New York Knicks, a move influenced by his former coach Phil Jackson, who was then the Knicks' president. His tenure with the Knicks was challenging, marked by a 17-65 record in his first season—the worst in franchise history—and he was fired during his second season in February 2016 with a 23-31 record. After his NBA coaching stint, Fisher worked as a television analyst for Spectrum SportsNet and Turner Network Television during the 2016-2017 NBA season.
In December 2018, Fisher took on the role of head coach and general manager for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). He led the Sparks to a 54-46 record over his tenure, making the playoffs in his first two seasons. However, the Sparks and Fisher mutually parted ways in June 2022 after a 5-7 start to the season. Throughout his career, Fisher also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
In his personal life, Fisher divorced Candace Patton in 2016, with whom he shares twins. Their daughter, Tatum, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, in 2007, a challenging period that saw Fisher temporarily step away from the Utah Jazz to be with his family. He later married Gloria Govan in July 2021. The couple listed their California mansion for sale in January 2025 and sold it in August 2025.
As of 2026, Fisher remains active in basketball. In August 2023, he was hired as the head coach for Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, where he coaches his stepsons. Furthermore, in July 2025, Fisher joined NBC Sports as a game analyst for their NBA coverage, beginning with the 2025-26 season. In February 2026, he offered his analysis on the possibility of a Ja Morant trade, suggesting a change of scenery could be beneficial. His past conflict with Matt Barnes, Gloria Govan's ex-husband, has also seen a resolution, with Barnes publicly stating in April 2026 that they are now on good terms, focusing on co-parenting their children.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Derek Lamar Fisher made different choices?