FISHER CAN'T SEEM TO GET A BREAK STILL, THE LAKERS GUARD HOPES TO RETURN FROM LATEST INJURY BETTER THAN THE LAST TIME.

Byline: Rich Hammond  Staff Writer

Just when the Lakers' dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal seemed prepared to welcome him as their third wheel, Derek Fisher suffered a flat tire.

Fisher, who earned league-wide acclaim after he returned from a nearly season-ending stress fracture in his foot to become the catalyst for the Lakers' second consecutive title run last spring, was devastated by the news. Less than a month after the playoffs ended, he had another stress fracture in the exact same spot.

Unlike last season, Fisher won't miss much action - he is expected to return to the lineup in a couple of weeks. But like last season, Fisher has used the time off the court to study the game and the nuances of coach Phil Jackson's offense.

Could he come back even better?

``I certainly think so,'' assistant coach Jim Cleamons said. ``Last year, even as he sat, he learned, because he would watch the games and the film and we talked about what he saw, what he thought he could bring to the team.

``Most pro players, if they really like the game, they will continue trying to add to their repertoire every year. There were some parts of his game he knew he could improve, and I wouldn't be surprised if he came back with some additions to his game this year.''

Fisher might not have a choice but to alter some aspects of his game. Before last season, he was seen as a nice role player, a complement, but certainly not anyone an opposing defense had to figure heavily into its game plan.

That changed last March, when Fisher returned from his first stress fracture a changed player. His often-streaky jump shot was golden, the product of countless hours spent shooting in the gym since he could not run or jump.

Fisher regained his starting spot by averaging 11.5 points in his 20 regular-season games, then remarkably turned into one of the NBA's best shooters in the playoffs. He averaged 13.4 points, shot 51.5 percent from 3-point range, and the Lakers' only playoff loss came when he was shut out in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

After that peak came the valley. During a routine examination in late June, doctors discovered another stress fracture, the product of some minor pain Fisher felt during the playoff run. Fisher faced another four to six months of recovery.

``Early on, it was really tough, because at first, I didn't know if I could put myself through that again emotionally,'' Fisher said. ``It took a few days for me to grasp that I would have to have surgery again, and that I was looking at a lot of rehab again. But once you get through that initial period and accept it, it's all downhill from there, at least emotionally, and that's the most important part.

``Definitely emotionally, I can say I feel much more comfortable with the situation this year. Of course I want to be aggressive and be the athlete that I am, but I have a better understanding of the injury and what I need to do to remain healthy, so I won't ever have to go through this again.

``Of course, it was even more frustrating because of the type of playoffs I had.''

Before long, Fisher's depression gave way to motivation. The 2000 injury allowed him to know what to expect this time around, so he focused on getting back healthy while staying mentally involved in the game.

The Lakers' additions of Mitch Richmond and Lindsey Hunter mean the offense should be in good shape when Fisher returns, allowing him the opportunity to ease back into the team.

``I've learned that as far as developing your game, watching is actually better than playing,'' Fisher said. ``Unfortunately, I've had to do a lot of watching, but you pick up a lot of things. I watch the other guards, and see how they get their shots and how they work within the offense, and I take things away from that.

``I always try to do something to improve on my performance a season ago, and this time I know that defenders are going to be more aware of my ability to shoot and they are going to be more aggressive defending me, so I have to work to counter that.''

And even though a player with a broken foot can't do much physically, Cleamons is confident Fisher will return in top form.

``He's always been a good standing shooter,'' Cleamons said. ``I think where Fish got in trouble before was when he was trying to shoot on the move. I think Derek is more of a standing shooter, and we were able to move the ball and he found the gaps, and that gave him time to do what he does best.

``If he stands and shoots, he's going to make eight out of 10 shots. Some players do that, other players shoot on the move.''

Fisher is ready to start shooting, period, no matter where or how.

``I'm not just anxious to get back on the court,'' Fisher said. ``I'm anxious to show people that I am able to play consistent basketball over the course of an entire season, and not just at the end.''

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Photo:

Derek Fisher, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, watches from the bench during a preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

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