Lakers' Fisher has partially torn tendon in foot
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[COLOR=#333333 ! important]Point guard will try to play through an injury that normally requires six to eight weeks of rest.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#999999 ! important]By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 29, 2008 [/COLOR]
Derek Fisher has a partially torn tendon in his right foot, an injury that typically requires six to eight weeks of rest, although the Lakers point guard will try to play through it.
An MRI exam Friday confirmed that Fisher injured his peroneus longus tendon after pushing off the foot while changing direction in Wednesday's game against Charlotte.
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"I feel good enough to see if I can help the team," Fisher said. "That's basically what the decision is going to be based on, is how I feel out there and whether I can really be effective enough to be a positive influence on helping us win games. If at any point I start to feel like I can't do that, then I'll make a decision at that point."
Fisher said he initially felt tightness under his foot a couple of weeks ago that was similar to the sensation of plantar fasciitis, which is painful swelling in the arch of the foot. The flash point came against Charlotte, although further damage cannot be done to the tendon, Lakers officials said.
"If this happened during the middle of the season or something like that, he would probably rest for six to eight weeks in order to heal," team spokesman
John Black said Friday. "It's a pain and inflammation thing. If he can play, he'll be on anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and try to play through it."
The Lakers will officially list Fisher as day-to-day.
Fisher, 33, has been a steadying influence in the locker room during his second tour with the Lakers. He was averaging 12 points and 2.9 assists before Friday and has played in all 73 games this season.
If Fisher's injury eventually sidelines him,
Jordan Farmar will pick up a majority of his minutes.
Sasha Vujacic would also assume some ball-handling duties.
"My concern is more about Fish and his health," Farmar said. "But if need be, I'll step in and try to help this team win any way I can."
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Kobe Bryant's 15 technical fouls easily lead the league. Golden State guard
Baron Davis and Detroit forward-center
Rasheed Wallace each have 11.
Wallace received two one-game suspensions last season, after picking up his 16th and 18th technical fouls, as per NBA rules.
Bryant, like Wallace, would be suspended one game if he picked up a 16th technical foul in the Lakers' last nine regular-season games.
The count resets in the playoffs for all players, who are allowed six technical fouls before being suspended for a game if they pick up a seventh.
"We appreciate his energy he puts in the ballgame, but equanimity is important," Coach
Phil Jackson said. "This is a good time to practice it."
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Chris Mihm was thrust into Friday's game against Memphis after
DJ Mbenga fouled out with 32.3 seconds left in the third quarter. Mihm, who had not played since Dec. 23, suited up but was not expected to play. He received a standing ovation when he came in but was scoreless in five minutes.
Mihm had not felt pain in his surgically repaired right foot since a screw was removed from his heel last month.
