Author Description

In June 2009, Derek Fisher and the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship, the fifteenth in Lakers history and an amazing fourth championship in Derek's career. In Character Driven, the NBA champion and starting point guard for the Lakers shares his life story and the inspirational values that have led to his success. Since his rookie season with the Lakers in 1996, Derek Fisher has had a dramatic impact on -- and great success with -- the NBA. Playing alongside legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Fisher has held his own at point, exhibiting his exceptional floor leadership and participating in some of the most dramatic post-season games and thrilling moments in recent memory. In his compelling new book, Fisher shares the values that have guided him on the court and off. From his roots in Little Rock to his record-breaking college career at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, his four NBA championships, and his position as president of the Players Association, Fisher shows readers what it's like to play -- and achieve -- at the highest levels. Drawing on the power of faith, he demonstrates how anyone can play for a successful team: whether that team is family, community, or just happens to be one in the NBA. The parents of four, Derek Fisher and his wife, Candace, received news in 2007 that their nine-month-old girl had been diagnosed with a dangerous form of cancer called retinoblastoma. Although his team, the Utah Jazz, was in the midst of a heated play-off series, Fisher immediately put his family first. He asked to be released by the Jazz to be near his daughter as she received the best care possible. Fisher was ultimately reunited with his old teammate Kobe and the Lakers, and the move led to a thrilling championship run that saw the Lakers win the Western Conference championship in 2008 and the NBA championship in 2009. - Publisher.