By Willie Ellison

Now that the free agent showcase has come to an end, NBA owners and general managers can get back to the real business of basketball and attempt to build championship-caliber teams. The free agent courting process is far from over, but the show and circus aspect of it has thankfully come to an end.

For weeks the media, owners, GM’s, players and fans have been held hostage to the LeBron James free agent fiasco. For many basketball fans as well as many in the media, it was a waste of time, and a gross display of self-indulgence and narcissism. However, for those directly affected it was more like a personal slap in the face for the one who could have been King. For those of us in Southern California, it was nothing more than a bleep on the radar screen.

Los Angeles Lakers fans were kept abreast of the LeBron as well as the hour-long announcement party titled the “The Decision”; a better name would have been “The Bad Decision” or maybe even “A Waste of Time” or how about “Are You Serious.” I could go on. Nevertheless, Laker fans were kept abreast of all the gory details because they were bombarded with the information at every turn. The team on the west coast or in the Western Conference for that matter that made even a half hearted attempt at courting James was the Los Angeles Clippers, and as long as Donald Sterling owned the team or held the majority interest in the team everyone knew it was long shot; even Sterling. Clipper fans even hosted a LeBron James parade in front of the Staple Center (the house that Kobe built) to get his attention and show him how much LA fans or at least Clipper fans were interested in acquiring his services. By my count I believe all two Clipper fans showed up for the LeBron James parade, including “Clipper Darryl.”

To the majority of the basketball fans on the west coast, and those who are fans of teams in the Western Conference, their biggest concern during the free agent signing period was the Lakers, and what they were going to do with their unrestricted free agents and even the restricted free agents. Their biggest concern was whether the Lakers would bring back the 35-year-old starting point guard Derek Fisher. Well, fans and foes alike, the answer is yes. The Los Angeles Lakers and Fisher agreed to a three-year deal that is worth a little more than $9 million, with the third year being the player option. As Fisher said on his website, “Let the road to the three-peat begin.” Fisher is coming back to the team at a discounted rate, but nevertheless he is coming back.

During the free agent period Fisher was courted by a number of teams; he was even asked to be part of The Experiment down in South Beach. He was hosted by the Miami Heat organization. He was greeted at the airport by team president Pat Riley and the South Beach “Big Three” of James Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh; each met with Fisher in an attempt to get him to sign with the Heat. However, at the end of the ball Fisher saw through all the smoke and mirrors,  and didn’t believe the hype and decided to stay with the real king of the NBA, his good friend and teammate for 11 years, Kobe Bryant.

“I took time to consider all my options, many not reported in the media,” Fisher said in a prepared statement. “I listened to every coach, every general manager, even potential teammates in order to make the right decision. I thank every one of them.

“At the end of the day, there’s one person I could not turn away from. Kobe Bryant asked me to stay, but supported whatever decision I made. He and I have played together for 11 seasons, came into the league together as kids and he has been loyal to me even when others had doubts. We have won five championships together. I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammate and the fans of Los Angeles. While it may not be the most lucrative deal I’ve been offered this season, it is the most valuable. I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court,”

With Fisher coming back to the Lakers it leaves only one guard spot left on the roster. Jordan Famar, who opted out of the final year on his contract, recently agreed to a 4-year $12 million deal with the New Jersey Nets, but Shannon Brown, the Lakers’ back up combo guard who opted out of his final year is hoping to come back. The Lakers are currently talking to veteran guard Raja Bell, who is currently with the Golden State Warriors. Bell, a 32-year-old spot up shooter and defensive stopper, would mesh well in the Lakers system. Kobe and Bell have had run-ins on the court in the past, but Bryant stresses that those incidents are far behind them and chalked it up to being a part of basketball.

Bell is well traveled in the NBA. He has played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats and most recently the Warriors, and every time he faced the Lakers he must have drawn the short straw because he was always given the insurmountable task of stopping Kobe. The two sides have been talking for the past week, and are getting close to a decision. Kobe and Bell recently had a face-to-face meeting while Bell was in Los Angeles to watch ESPY Awards; the results of the meeting weren’t available at press time. However, the newest Laker and probably the happiest Laker of all right now is Ron Artest, who said it best: “I have played against Kobe for 10 years. I would much rather play with him than against him, and have to guard him.” If Bell takes that quote to heart, he will be in purple and gold next season, en route to winning his first NBA title.

With negotiations going so well with Bell, it might leave Brown out in the cold. The Lakers recently signed veteran guard Steve Blake to a 4-year $16 million deal to serve as Fisher’s back up. Brown said he hopes to re-sign with the Lakers in an attempt to chase his third consecutive title, but it’s not looking too good for Brown right now.

If the NBA is able to bypass the potential lockout next season, the 2011 campaign should be very interesting, especially in the Eastern Conference. With Boston keeping their team intact this writer is picking them to come out of the East, with the Orlando Magic being the No. 2 in the East. “The Experiment” in South Beach needs to have success sooner than later, otherwise it will be considered a failure. I’m sure a team with that talent will win eventually, but an eventual NBA title wasn’t their goal. Their goal is to win NOW!!! Sorry, South Beach fans, the Naismith Trophy will be in the Lakers’ trophy case at least another year or two; we got the Fish that saved LA back.