June 29, 2007
Ralph Lawler Chat Transcript
Want the skinny on the Clippers' draft picks Al Thornton (No. 14) and Jared Jordan (No. 45)? "The Voice of the Clippers" Ralph Lawler discussed the 2007 NBA Draft, the Clippers' two draft picks, his impressions of the draft and much more online with Clippers fans on Friday, June 29th on Clippers.com
Ralph Lawler: Coming into this draft, the Clippers had the two needs they wanted to be able to address, No. 1 was an athletic wing player and no. 2 was an obvious pick of a point guard. The situation as it arose at No. 14, the Clippers were able to acquire the athletic wing player in Al Thornton. Then the Clippers took a shot late in the second round with a point guard who led the nation in assists last year. Mission accomplished.
Raymond (Los Angeles): Do you think Thornton can be effective right away?
Ralph Lawler: The real advantage in drafting a four year college player is that he is more mature physically and emotionally, and that was one of the real attractions to drafting Thornton. They think he is ready to help from day one, as opposed to picking a 19 year old kid and trying to project where he will be at 22 or 23, so the answer is yes.
Sam (Boston): I don't know if many people know of him out west yet, but Al Thornton is big-time on the east coast! Great pick, you guys just gained thousands of fans!
Ralph Lawler: We hope you're right!
Tyler, Redondo Beach: Ralph, What gives? Last time I checked, we were covered at the forward position. You smell a trade coming?
Ralph Lawler: No, I don't think so. This team really needed to get more athletic and had to add a shooter. I think they did both with Al Thornton. There's always the possibility of a trade with regards to the continuing need at the point guard position, but I don't think this was a part of that thinking. They just picked the player that they think can help the most at No. 14.
Craig (Hartford): Hey Ralph, From way across the country and a 2005 graduate of Marist College, the Clips have a brand new fan in me. I am thrilled that Jared Jordan ended up with LAC, and I was curious how you see him fitting into the squad's plans? And any chance he keeps his # 25? I have my credit card out for a personalized jersey...
Ralph Lawler: Well he'll have to earn a spot on the roster, and that's not easy when you're picked at No. 45. But there is an obvious need at his position. Summer League will be important for him and he'll have a shot come training camp in the fall.
Jeffery Ridley (Perry, GA): I know this kid personally. The LA Clippers could not have chosen a better athlete. His character stands out the most. He has a warming personality that just lights up the room. He worked very hard to get where he is, and I'm am 100% sure that he will be more valuable to the Clippers than they think. I am now a new Clippers fan.
Ralph Lawler: We always welcome new Clippers fans, and we certainly look forward to welcoming Al Thornton from Perry, GA. The team thinks he has a chance to really help this season.
Todd from San Clemente: Matt Pinto told me the only way we could get Chauncey Billups is with a 'sign & trade' deal with the Pistons....how likely do you think this might be?
Ralph Lawler: I think there is virtually no chance that the Pistons will not sign and keep Chauncey Billups.
Geoff Aldrich, Brookfield, CT: Jared Jordan will surprise a lot of Southern California basketball fans. He is an up and coming version of Steve Nash!!! Great vision!
Ralph Lawler: Well, if the Clippers got a Steve Nash clone in the second round, it was one of the great draft picks of all time. Let's not put that kind of pressure on this young man. Let's just hope that he can make the team and contribute. Steve Nash is really a one-of-a-kind talent.
Victor (Los Angeles): Hey Ralph, As an LA sports fan, we are spoiled with great announcers. Have you met Bob Miller and Vin Scully?
Ralph Lawler: Sure! We get to spend some time together at various functions and all three of us do work with Fox Sports Net. I consider it a privilege to work in a city that has been blessed with such talented announcers as Vin and Bob.
Matty (Los Angeles): With the injury to Shaun, I am scared at the lack of depth at the point guard position. Will Jordan be able to make an impact this year or will he need time to develop?
Ralph Lawler: We won't know about Jordan until we get through the Summer League and the training camp. The club shares your concern about the point guard position, and it will be further addressed either via free agency or through a trade.
Elo (Ontario, CA): Ralphie Baby, What did you think of the trade between the Celtics and Seattle? Second give me a magic number of how many the Clips will win this season. Can’t wait for the first BIIINNNGO of the season.
Ralph Lawler: It appears that Seattle is tearing the house down and starting from scratch, building a team around Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. I doubt they will keep Rashard Lewis and that team will be entirely different this fall. They will be an exciting team in the years ahead. Boston got suddenly old. Ray Allen has had a great career, but his best years are behind him. However, in the East, having Paul Pierce and Ray Allen might be enough to make you a factor in the Playoffs. It's just two teams taking very different approaches. Regarding the Clippers win total, it is way too early for that. Let's wait until we see who is on the roster come November.
Chester (Pomona, CA): What can you tell us about Shaun's progress? Have you been in contact with him? Can we expect to see him return next year or fans like me simply have to wait?
Ralph Lawler: Yes I have been in touch with Shaun and his people and everything is very, very favorable. He is ahead of schedule and hopes to be back by December or January or certainly by the All-Star break. Shaun is really working hard and we all continue to pull for him.
Jai (Laguna Niguel): Hey Ralph, what is Mike Smith up to today? Why does he leave all the real work to you???
Ralph Lawler: Mike has a busy summer going. He'll be in Las Vegas working for NBATV covering Summer League games, then he'll come home to conduct his own basketball camps in Orange County. I don't know how he does all this with a family of eight kids, but believe me, he is one busy young man. I really think Mike is doing all the real work.
Mike(Los Angeles): Hey Ralph, How do we go about getting Lawler’s Law shirts to you? Will you be going to Las Vegas for summer league? Who will be the starting point guard for the clippers this season?
Ralph Lawler: Send the T-shirts to the Clippers office. I will be at Summer League July 12th through the 15th. I appreciate the thought. I'm not sure that the team's starting point guard is on the roster yet. Let's be patient.
Larry(Los Angeles): How do you see the western conference with the additions of Jeff Green and Kevin Durant to the Sonics and the additions of Greg Oden, Steve Francis, and Channing Frye to the Trailblazers.
Ralph Lawler: The West just keeps getting more competitive. You know that Portland is going to be a rising power, and Seattle may have lost Ray Allen, but they have a new stable of shooters in Durant, Szczerbiak and West. They will score the ball in the Western Conference tradition of Phoenix and Golden State. It should be very interesting.
Jeremy (Green Bay, WI): We bucked our normal trend and took two 4-year college players. Two good choices in my opinion. How much of an impact do you think they'll have in the 2007-2008 season?
Ralph Lawler: I think Thornton will have a significant impact and I think he'll be an immediate crowd favorite because of his extraordinary athleticism. He was a good three-point shooter in college and I think he's ready to step right in. He can also defend. The coaching staff loves him. Most any second round pick becomes a long shot, but fans love long shots, and this kid does have the ability to run an offense.
SN (San Gabriel): I give you a trade proposal. I know Yi won't sign with Bucks any time soon. No Chinese people want him in Milwaukee. So how about Corey Maggette for Yi? If not enough, add next year's 2nd round pick as well. And we can sign Billups, too. We will solve problems.
Ralph Lawler: I thought Yi was a surprising pick by the Bucks, because it was obvious that Milwaukee was nowhere on his wish list. I don't want to endorse any trade of Corey Maggette, but if Milwaukee were to make Yi available, you would have to look at it. He is an intriguing talent.
Dewey (Fountain Valley, CA): Mr. Lawler, I just wanted to thank you for being so approachable. We had a nice but brief conversation a couple of years ago at the Summer Pro League at Long Beach States Pyramid. Thanks again.
Ralph Lawler: It is a privilege to get to meet Clippers fans. It only seems natural to interact. I look forward to doing it for a long time to come.
Fernando (Van Nuys): hey Ralph, thanks for the many years of service. Q: Do you think that Chris Kaman will someday bring a ring to the clippers?
Ralph Lawler: He won't be able to do it himself, but if Chris works as hard this summer as he says he intends to, he can really help the Clippers become a championship caliber contender. Every sign is that Chris Kaman is committed to becoming one of the top centers in the NBA.
Jesse (Sherman oaks): Hey Ralph, you say that starting point guard isn’t on the team yet, in your opinion who are the reasonable point guards out there for the clips to pick up? I would love Billups but he would cost us players!!
Ralph Lawler: I don't think the team necessarily needs an All-Star caliber point guard, but it does need a pass first play maker who is also capable of stretching the defense a little bit by making a shot behind the three-point line. There are a couple of free agents out there that might be available, but I'm thinking they may need to make some kind of a trade to get the right player at that very important position.
Taylor Moxon, Long Beach: HI Ralph, I just wanted to say you are the best commentator I've had the pleasure to listen to. I wanted to know if you think the Clippers will resign Jason Hart. He was an awesome help for clippers at the end of the season and he might make a good back up guard this season.
Ralph Lawler: I agree with your thoughts on Jason Hart. He did a great job in keeping the Clippers in the playoff chase right until the final day of the season. He is certainly in the mix for a spot on this year's roster. I would love to see him back on the club.
Joe (Tarzana, CA): What do you think about bringing Earl Boykins back to the Clips? I've always liked what he could do to change a game.
Ralph Lawler: I think that's an interesting name. It's one that might get some consideration. He is clearly a scoring point guard as opposed to being a play making point guard, but it is a thought and it will be considered by our basketball staff. I love Earl.
Jesse (Sherman oaks): you keep referring to a trade, who do we have to trade?
Ralph Lawler: There are 13-14 players on the roster, and all are available. You just never close the door because you just don't know what might happen if you leave the door open. It's not a matter of wanting to trade anybody in particular on this roster, it's a matter of wanting to bring in a certain type of player at the point guard position, and to do that, you will need to give up a player or a draft choice to get it done.
Ralph (Compton): First love the name, Second who is your favorite Clipper(present) and who is your favorite non Clipper Player? Good Luck this season
Ralph Lawler: I really try not to have favorites, but being around Elton Brand makes it very difficult NOT to favor him. He is such a wonderful young man and exceptional player that I very easily slip into saying he is one of my all-time favorite Clippers. Around the league I think that LeBron James might be my favorite. I just think his potential is off the charts and that he could go down as the best player ever once all is said and done.
Shaun (LA): Do you plan on retiring soon? I hope you don't and stay with the Clippers forever. I love your enthusiasm for the game.
Ralph Lawler: I certainly have no plans to retire. I am so lucky to have had this job all these years, and it is a source of great pleasure to my family and me. I hope to do it for many, many years to come.
Michael, Riverside: Hey Ralph, the Clippers need shooters to take pressure off of Brand and Kaman, do you see them going after Jason Kapono or Matt Carroll? As far as the draft goes should they get someone who can help now like a Nick Young or someone with a lot of potential like Julian Wright? Thanks
Ralph Lawler: I think they addressed some of that need with the choice of Al Thornton, but I really agree that they need to fill their roster with guys that can shoot the ball. I like the two names you've mentioned, but the salary cap rules are what they are, which leaves the club with only the mid-level exception to be used on a point guard and/or a shooter. One of those two would be a very nice fit for our club.
Mr. Me OH My (LA): Hey Ralph I know EB is a big movie producer, have you asked him to put you in any of his movies? At least some voiceovers, right? You are great, best of luck
Ralph Lawler: Elton is so focused on his career as a basketball player that I think his movie career is going to go on hold until his basketball career is over.
Jason (Ontario): Hi Ralph, how would you rate the Clippers' draft moves? I've read that Sam is feeling good and Kaman has been training hard; do you think next season will be more successful than this past season?
Ralph Lawler: We all certainly hope that it will! I think the draft gives the club another weapon and if Kaman and Sam can approach the season they had two years ago, there is no question that the Clippers will be back in the playoffs. Sam probably just needs a little more help from a backup than he did in his first year with the ball club, but I think that is forthcoming.
Jesse (La Mirada): Hi Ralph 1st of all I think you're a legend who deserves much more exposure such as ABD 7 games. Would you be interested calling other teams' games as a special guest, maybe seeing you and Red Head reunite again?
Ralph Lawler: Well I miss Bill Walton. He and his wife are coming up to have dinner with us tomorrow night. But when I got this job in 1978, I said I never want another job as long as I live. There is nothing I would rather do than broadcast Los Angeles Clippers games.
Mike(Irvine): If the clippers win 55 games next season would you record yourself on You Tube saying "Bingo" 55 times in a row?
Ralph Lawler: Absolutely.
Scott (LA): What Can you tell me about Al Thornton? What skill sets does he bring to the table for the clips? It seems they already have a few SFs with Maggette, Thomas, Korolev, and Singleton.
Ralph Lawler: Perhaps the best thing he brings is an exceptional level of energy. He plays at 100% absolutely 100% of the time. His athleticism is second to none, and he can step outside and make the three-point shot and also get to the rim off the dribble. He is a great finisher, and I think this team will be able to run a little more when he's on the court.
Big L (Upland): Kobe Bryant? Thoughts on the saga that is KOBE? I think he is great but don’t know if his approach was the best. He should have signed with the best team in LA when he had the chance. VIVA LOS CLIPPERS
Ralph Lawler: I have to think that in the quiet of his home Kobe has second guessed himself about not moving down the hall to the Clippers when he had the chance. This would have been quite a team. But, he is where he is, and he obviously wishes he were somewhere else. There must have been a better way to have handled all of this than the way he has handled it, but I think he has painted the Lakers into a very dark corner. I don't think there's any guarantee he'll be back this fall; it should be an interesting couple of months.
Shawn (Inglewood, California): What's the status of the 2nd round pick from last year, Guillermo Diaz? I understand that last checked he was playing in Europe, and he's at least somebody we can use back here in Los Angeles.
Ralph Lawler: Guillermo will be on our Summer League team in Las Vegas. Some of those games will be televised on NBATV, and you can watch him yourself. He is a very athletic guard who is really a two-guard in a one-guard's body. I think he has a chance to make the club this year. He is very exciting.
Lauren, Tallahassee: I know you are a loyal fan to the Clippers, as am I, but do you ever sometimes wish you could really say what is on your mind during bad games. I don't blame you for being politically correct, I just want to know if you feel the same anguish we do when "our clippers" make bad mistakes
Ralph Lawler: Sure I do, and I don't really try to hide that. Nobody has ever tried to edit what I say on the air; we've had some good times and some bad times. I've tried to appropriately frame those times over the years.
Ralph Lawler: Our time is up! It's always great to hear from Clippers fans. I hope you can follow our team during the Summer League, and keep your eyes open for any trades or moves the club makes during the summer. This is still a work in progress, and the commitment to get this team back into the playoffs is there from every member of the organization. Have a great summer!
Lawler's 28 seasons of enthusiastic calls like "Bingo!," "Fasten your Seatbelts" and "Oh Me Oh My" have become familiar favorites for Clippers fans throughout Southern California.
Ralph Lawler: Coming into this draft, the Clippers had the two needs they wanted to be able to address, No. 1 was an athletic wing player and no. 2 was an obvious pick of a point guard. The situation as it arose at No. 14, the Clippers were able to acquire the athletic wing player in Al Thornton. Then the Clippers took a shot late in the second round with a point guard who led the nation in assists last year. Mission accomplished.
Raymond (Los Angeles): Do you think Thornton can be effective right away?
Ralph Lawler: The real advantage in drafting a four year college player is that he is more mature physically and emotionally, and that was one of the real attractions to drafting Thornton. They think he is ready to help from day one, as opposed to picking a 19 year old kid and trying to project where he will be at 22 or 23, so the answer is yes.
Sam (Boston): I don't know if many people know of him out west yet, but Al Thornton is big-time on the east coast! Great pick, you guys just gained thousands of fans!
Ralph Lawler: We hope you're right!
Tyler, Redondo Beach: Ralph, What gives? Last time I checked, we were covered at the forward position. You smell a trade coming?
Ralph Lawler: No, I don't think so. This team really needed to get more athletic and had to add a shooter. I think they did both with Al Thornton. There's always the possibility of a trade with regards to the continuing need at the point guard position, but I don't think this was a part of that thinking. They just picked the player that they think can help the most at No. 14.
Craig (Hartford): Hey Ralph, From way across the country and a 2005 graduate of Marist College, the Clips have a brand new fan in me. I am thrilled that Jared Jordan ended up with LAC, and I was curious how you see him fitting into the squad's plans? And any chance he keeps his # 25? I have my credit card out for a personalized jersey...
Ralph Lawler: Well he'll have to earn a spot on the roster, and that's not easy when you're picked at No. 45. But there is an obvious need at his position. Summer League will be important for him and he'll have a shot come training camp in the fall.
Jeffery Ridley (Perry, GA): I know this kid personally. The LA Clippers could not have chosen a better athlete. His character stands out the most. He has a warming personality that just lights up the room. He worked very hard to get where he is, and I'm am 100% sure that he will be more valuable to the Clippers than they think. I am now a new Clippers fan.
Ralph Lawler: We always welcome new Clippers fans, and we certainly look forward to welcoming Al Thornton from Perry, GA. The team thinks he has a chance to really help this season.
Todd from San Clemente: Matt Pinto told me the only way we could get Chauncey Billups is with a 'sign & trade' deal with the Pistons....how likely do you think this might be?
Ralph Lawler: I think there is virtually no chance that the Pistons will not sign and keep Chauncey Billups.
Geoff Aldrich, Brookfield, CT: Jared Jordan will surprise a lot of Southern California basketball fans. He is an up and coming version of Steve Nash!!! Great vision!
Ralph Lawler: Well, if the Clippers got a Steve Nash clone in the second round, it was one of the great draft picks of all time. Let's not put that kind of pressure on this young man. Let's just hope that he can make the team and contribute. Steve Nash is really a one-of-a-kind talent.
Victor (Los Angeles): Hey Ralph, As an LA sports fan, we are spoiled with great announcers. Have you met Bob Miller and Vin Scully?
Ralph Lawler: Sure! We get to spend some time together at various functions and all three of us do work with Fox Sports Net. I consider it a privilege to work in a city that has been blessed with such talented announcers as Vin and Bob.
Matty (Los Angeles): With the injury to Shaun, I am scared at the lack of depth at the point guard position. Will Jordan be able to make an impact this year or will he need time to develop?
Ralph Lawler: We won't know about Jordan until we get through the Summer League and the training camp. The club shares your concern about the point guard position, and it will be further addressed either via free agency or through a trade.
Elo (Ontario, CA): Ralphie Baby, What did you think of the trade between the Celtics and Seattle? Second give me a magic number of how many the Clips will win this season. Can’t wait for the first BIIINNNGO of the season.
Ralph Lawler: It appears that Seattle is tearing the house down and starting from scratch, building a team around Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. I doubt they will keep Rashard Lewis and that team will be entirely different this fall. They will be an exciting team in the years ahead. Boston got suddenly old. Ray Allen has had a great career, but his best years are behind him. However, in the East, having Paul Pierce and Ray Allen might be enough to make you a factor in the Playoffs. It's just two teams taking very different approaches. Regarding the Clippers win total, it is way too early for that. Let's wait until we see who is on the roster come November.
Chester (Pomona, CA): What can you tell us about Shaun's progress? Have you been in contact with him? Can we expect to see him return next year or fans like me simply have to wait?
Ralph Lawler: Yes I have been in touch with Shaun and his people and everything is very, very favorable. He is ahead of schedule and hopes to be back by December or January or certainly by the All-Star break. Shaun is really working hard and we all continue to pull for him.
Jai (Laguna Niguel): Hey Ralph, what is Mike Smith up to today? Why does he leave all the real work to you???
Ralph Lawler: Mike has a busy summer going. He'll be in Las Vegas working for NBATV covering Summer League games, then he'll come home to conduct his own basketball camps in Orange County. I don't know how he does all this with a family of eight kids, but believe me, he is one busy young man. I really think Mike is doing all the real work.
Mike(Los Angeles): Hey Ralph, How do we go about getting Lawler’s Law shirts to you? Will you be going to Las Vegas for summer league? Who will be the starting point guard for the clippers this season?
Ralph Lawler: Send the T-shirts to the Clippers office. I will be at Summer League July 12th through the 15th. I appreciate the thought. I'm not sure that the team's starting point guard is on the roster yet. Let's be patient.
Larry(Los Angeles): How do you see the western conference with the additions of Jeff Green and Kevin Durant to the Sonics and the additions of Greg Oden, Steve Francis, and Channing Frye to the Trailblazers.
Ralph Lawler: The West just keeps getting more competitive. You know that Portland is going to be a rising power, and Seattle may have lost Ray Allen, but they have a new stable of shooters in Durant, Szczerbiak and West. They will score the ball in the Western Conference tradition of Phoenix and Golden State. It should be very interesting.
Jeremy (Green Bay, WI): We bucked our normal trend and took two 4-year college players. Two good choices in my opinion. How much of an impact do you think they'll have in the 2007-2008 season?
Ralph Lawler: I think Thornton will have a significant impact and I think he'll be an immediate crowd favorite because of his extraordinary athleticism. He was a good three-point shooter in college and I think he's ready to step right in. He can also defend. The coaching staff loves him. Most any second round pick becomes a long shot, but fans love long shots, and this kid does have the ability to run an offense.
SN (San Gabriel): I give you a trade proposal. I know Yi won't sign with Bucks any time soon. No Chinese people want him in Milwaukee. So how about Corey Maggette for Yi? If not enough, add next year's 2nd round pick as well. And we can sign Billups, too. We will solve problems.
Ralph Lawler: I thought Yi was a surprising pick by the Bucks, because it was obvious that Milwaukee was nowhere on his wish list. I don't want to endorse any trade of Corey Maggette, but if Milwaukee were to make Yi available, you would have to look at it. He is an intriguing talent.
Dewey (Fountain Valley, CA): Mr. Lawler, I just wanted to thank you for being so approachable. We had a nice but brief conversation a couple of years ago at the Summer Pro League at Long Beach States Pyramid. Thanks again.
Ralph Lawler: It is a privilege to get to meet Clippers fans. It only seems natural to interact. I look forward to doing it for a long time to come.
Fernando (Van Nuys): hey Ralph, thanks for the many years of service. Q: Do you think that Chris Kaman will someday bring a ring to the clippers?
Ralph Lawler: He won't be able to do it himself, but if Chris works as hard this summer as he says he intends to, he can really help the Clippers become a championship caliber contender. Every sign is that Chris Kaman is committed to becoming one of the top centers in the NBA.
Jesse (Sherman oaks): Hey Ralph, you say that starting point guard isn’t on the team yet, in your opinion who are the reasonable point guards out there for the clips to pick up? I would love Billups but he would cost us players!!
Ralph Lawler: I don't think the team necessarily needs an All-Star caliber point guard, but it does need a pass first play maker who is also capable of stretching the defense a little bit by making a shot behind the three-point line. There are a couple of free agents out there that might be available, but I'm thinking they may need to make some kind of a trade to get the right player at that very important position.
Taylor Moxon, Long Beach: HI Ralph, I just wanted to say you are the best commentator I've had the pleasure to listen to. I wanted to know if you think the Clippers will resign Jason Hart. He was an awesome help for clippers at the end of the season and he might make a good back up guard this season.
Ralph Lawler: I agree with your thoughts on Jason Hart. He did a great job in keeping the Clippers in the playoff chase right until the final day of the season. He is certainly in the mix for a spot on this year's roster. I would love to see him back on the club.
Joe (Tarzana, CA): What do you think about bringing Earl Boykins back to the Clips? I've always liked what he could do to change a game.
Ralph Lawler: I think that's an interesting name. It's one that might get some consideration. He is clearly a scoring point guard as opposed to being a play making point guard, but it is a thought and it will be considered by our basketball staff. I love Earl.
Jesse (Sherman oaks): you keep referring to a trade, who do we have to trade?
Ralph Lawler: There are 13-14 players on the roster, and all are available. You just never close the door because you just don't know what might happen if you leave the door open. It's not a matter of wanting to trade anybody in particular on this roster, it's a matter of wanting to bring in a certain type of player at the point guard position, and to do that, you will need to give up a player or a draft choice to get it done.
Ralph (Compton): First love the name, Second who is your favorite Clipper(present) and who is your favorite non Clipper Player? Good Luck this season
Ralph Lawler: I really try not to have favorites, but being around Elton Brand makes it very difficult NOT to favor him. He is such a wonderful young man and exceptional player that I very easily slip into saying he is one of my all-time favorite Clippers. Around the league I think that LeBron James might be my favorite. I just think his potential is off the charts and that he could go down as the best player ever once all is said and done.
Shaun (LA): Do you plan on retiring soon? I hope you don't and stay with the Clippers forever. I love your enthusiasm for the game.
Ralph Lawler: I certainly have no plans to retire. I am so lucky to have had this job all these years, and it is a source of great pleasure to my family and me. I hope to do it for many, many years to come.
Michael, Riverside: Hey Ralph, the Clippers need shooters to take pressure off of Brand and Kaman, do you see them going after Jason Kapono or Matt Carroll? As far as the draft goes should they get someone who can help now like a Nick Young or someone with a lot of potential like Julian Wright? Thanks
Ralph Lawler: I think they addressed some of that need with the choice of Al Thornton, but I really agree that they need to fill their roster with guys that can shoot the ball. I like the two names you've mentioned, but the salary cap rules are what they are, which leaves the club with only the mid-level exception to be used on a point guard and/or a shooter. One of those two would be a very nice fit for our club.
Mr. Me OH My (LA): Hey Ralph I know EB is a big movie producer, have you asked him to put you in any of his movies? At least some voiceovers, right? You are great, best of luck
Ralph Lawler: Elton is so focused on his career as a basketball player that I think his movie career is going to go on hold until his basketball career is over.
Jason (Ontario): Hi Ralph, how would you rate the Clippers' draft moves? I've read that Sam is feeling good and Kaman has been training hard; do you think next season will be more successful than this past season?
Ralph Lawler: We all certainly hope that it will! I think the draft gives the club another weapon and if Kaman and Sam can approach the season they had two years ago, there is no question that the Clippers will be back in the playoffs. Sam probably just needs a little more help from a backup than he did in his first year with the ball club, but I think that is forthcoming.
Jesse (La Mirada): Hi Ralph 1st of all I think you're a legend who deserves much more exposure such as ABD 7 games. Would you be interested calling other teams' games as a special guest, maybe seeing you and Red Head reunite again?
Ralph Lawler: Well I miss Bill Walton. He and his wife are coming up to have dinner with us tomorrow night. But when I got this job in 1978, I said I never want another job as long as I live. There is nothing I would rather do than broadcast Los Angeles Clippers games.
Mike(Irvine): If the clippers win 55 games next season would you record yourself on You Tube saying "Bingo" 55 times in a row?
Ralph Lawler: Absolutely.
Scott (LA): What Can you tell me about Al Thornton? What skill sets does he bring to the table for the clips? It seems they already have a few SFs with Maggette, Thomas, Korolev, and Singleton.
Ralph Lawler: Perhaps the best thing he brings is an exceptional level of energy. He plays at 100% absolutely 100% of the time. His athleticism is second to none, and he can step outside and make the three-point shot and also get to the rim off the dribble. He is a great finisher, and I think this team will be able to run a little more when he's on the court.
Big L (Upland): Kobe Bryant? Thoughts on the saga that is KOBE? I think he is great but don’t know if his approach was the best. He should have signed with the best team in LA when he had the chance. VIVA LOS CLIPPERS
Ralph Lawler: I have to think that in the quiet of his home Kobe has second guessed himself about not moving down the hall to the Clippers when he had the chance. This would have been quite a team. But, he is where he is, and he obviously wishes he were somewhere else. There must have been a better way to have handled all of this than the way he has handled it, but I think he has painted the Lakers into a very dark corner. I don't think there's any guarantee he'll be back this fall; it should be an interesting couple of months.
Shawn (Inglewood, California): What's the status of the 2nd round pick from last year, Guillermo Diaz? I understand that last checked he was playing in Europe, and he's at least somebody we can use back here in Los Angeles.
Ralph Lawler: Guillermo will be on our Summer League team in Las Vegas. Some of those games will be televised on NBATV, and you can watch him yourself. He is a very athletic guard who is really a two-guard in a one-guard's body. I think he has a chance to make the club this year. He is very exciting.
Lauren, Tallahassee: I know you are a loyal fan to the Clippers, as am I, but do you ever sometimes wish you could really say what is on your mind during bad games. I don't blame you for being politically correct, I just want to know if you feel the same anguish we do when "our clippers" make bad mistakes
Ralph Lawler: Sure I do, and I don't really try to hide that. Nobody has ever tried to edit what I say on the air; we've had some good times and some bad times. I've tried to appropriately frame those times over the years.
Ralph Lawler: Our time is up! It's always great to hear from Clippers fans. I hope you can follow our team during the Summer League, and keep your eyes open for any trades or moves the club makes during the summer. This is still a work in progress, and the commitment to get this team back into the playoffs is there from every member of the organization. Have a great summer!
