A laser-based fiber-coupled white light system is provided. The system includes a laser device comprising a gallium and nitrogen containing emitting region having an output facet configured to output a laser emission with a first wavelength ranging from 385 nm to 495 nm. The system further includes a phosphor member to receive the laser emission in a range of angles of incidence to a spot on a primary surface with a size greater than 5 μm. The phosphor member converts the laser emission with the first wavelength to a phosphor emission with a second wavelength in either reflective or transmissive mode and mixed at least partially with laser emission to produce a white light emission. Additionally, the system includes a fiber coupled to the phosphor member to capture the white light emission to deliver the white light emission to a remote lighthead or distribute the white light emission directly.