(Derek) Fisher scored five points in 19 minutes in his first game with Oklahoma City on Wednesday — a 114-91 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers. (Kobe) Bryant, who said he has maintained daily contact with Fisher since the 37-year-old guard was traded to the Houston Rockets last week and subsequently bought out of his remaining contract, was not surprised where Fisher ended up after clearing waivers.

“I expected that,” Bryant said after the Lakers’ 109-93 win over the Dallas Mavericks. “The Thunder needed him, in terms of having a backup point guard who brings a lot of stability and obviously veteran leadership and an ability to make big shots. I could see that coming.”

Pau Gasol, who replaced Fisher as the Lakers’ co-captain after L.A. traded him to Houston along with a first-round pick for Jordan Hill, framed the acquisition in terms of what it means for the 35-12 Thunder.

“I’m happy for him because a really good team picked him up, they’re obviously first in the West right now,” Gasol said. “I think Oklahoma got better, which is not good news for us.”

Added Andrew Bynum: “I think it’s perfect. I would have done something similar, I think, given the same situation.”

via Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles