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"The Voice of the Clippers" Ralph Lawler answers questions from fans
Ralph’s Got Mail!
February 21, 2007



Lawler
Every Wednesday during the second half of the 2006-07 season, "The Voice of the Clippers" Ralph Lawler will answer select e-mailed questions on Clippers.com.

Please note: Lawler's thoughts and opinions are his and his alone. In no way do they necessarily reflect those of the Los Angeles Clippers organization. (But we listen to him anyway because he's the "Voice of the Clippers.")

Ralph,

It has been pointed out that many other announcers are starting to use all your catch phrases (much like they did Chick Hearn). Have you copyrighted any of your phrases (especially Lawler's Law)?

Ross Miyashiro


Ross –

No copyrights. They say being copied is the sincerest form of flattery. If they copy …I’m flattered.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Why didn't Elton Brand make the All-Star team? We sent in a lot of votes and her should have gone.

Tonia Gamble-Young


Tonia –

I know Elton appreciates your support. I believe that if the Clippers had a winning record that the coaches would have chosen him to the team.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Has Elgin Baylor ever traded someone in the midseason who didn't want to be traded? I appreciate his loyalty to the Clipper players and I think Maggette and Brand should be Clippers for the remainder of their careers.

Isa Neustaedter


Isa –

My memory might not be perfect on this, but the following wxamples come to mind: James Donaldson 1985, Cedric Maxwell 1987, Benoit Benjamin 1991 and Brent Barry 1998.

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

Of all the on-air counterparts you have had, you and Mike seem to have a good chemistry. Bill Walton was Mr. Negative with all the sarcasim he would use. Nevertheless, I enjoy yours and Mike's work. Who has been your favorite?

Efren Ochoa


Efren –

I’ve been very lucky to work with some wonderful and talented people from Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello through Walton and Mikesmith. Few people know that my first partner on our telecasts in San Diego was a fellow named Stu Lantz.

No favorites here … I’ve loved working with each of them.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Over the years you've broadcast for the Clippers, are there any really interesting characters that have been on the team? Are there any stories you wouldn't mind sharing?

Robert


Robert –

There have been many characters over the years. To mention a few: World B. Free, Swen Nater, Cedric Maxwell, Brent Barry, Darius Miles, and now, Chris Kaman.

A quick anecdote that comes to mind … all the way back to the 1985-86 Season. I’ve forgotten who the Clippers were playing, but it came down a final play and Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell was in-bounding the ball for the Clips right in front of me. I said something like: “You can expect this ball to go to Marques Johnson….” Maxwell, turned to me and shook his Head while whispering – “Nixon.” Sure enough he threw it in to Norm who calmly made a game-winning basket.

- Ralph

Hey MVB (MOST VALUABLE BRODCASTER)!

Ralph, do you think Sam Cassell will be a part of the Clippers coaching staff after next season?

Gary


Gary –

I think Sam has the makings of a fine NBA Coach and he’s certainly expressed an interest in being a part of Mike Dunleavy’s staff.

I’d love to see it happen. Thanks for caring.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I am from Streator, Illinois. It is about 90 miles from Peoria. When I heard Sean was getting drafted I signed up for Dish's NBA package and became a Clippers fan. Love your broadcasts!

I will never get out to Cali to see a game and it seems you come to Chicago to play the Bulls during bad weather, so I was wondering … I remember Sean came to Peoria to do some signings before and you and he were around last summer. Any idea if you guys are coming this off-season? I would like a heads-up, cause I would love to meet you both!

Thank you. I still think the Clippers can grab the 6th seed if they hurry!

Dustin Brown


Dustin –

I know Streator well and Shaun must have played some high school ball against Streator High School. Shaun and I both were back to Peoria last summer and Shaun was there again during the All-Star break. I don’t foresee when my next trip there will be, however, Shaun conducts an annual summer camp at Peoria Central High School. Keep your eyes open. I’m sure it will get a play in the Peoria area newspapers.

I hope you’re right about that 6th seed.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I was wondering, who is the best golfer from the Clippers organization that you've played with? Also, is Mike Smith a better golfer than he was a basketball player? Thanks for your time.

Tim Olivas


Tim –

It might be a draw between Elgin Baylor and Mike Smith. Both are very Good golfers. Mike is 30 years younger, and if he has an edge, that would be it.

You know, Mike was a good enough basketball player to be drafted Number 13 by the Boston Celtics in 1989. He’s a very good Amateur golfer, But not a Pro.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Realistically, do the Clippers have a shot at getting over their season-long slump? I know you like to be optimistic, but truthfully, can they pull it together? And will Shaun Livingston ever come out? He seems too afraid to shoot the ball.

Daniel


Daniel –

It has all the earmarks of being a bad season, but nobody is throwing in the towel.

Regarding Livingston, I don’t think he’s afraid to shoot the ball. I do think he’s hesitant to be deemed selfish when that is so far from his natural self. He’s been getting better and I think he still has a very bright future.

- Ralph

Ralph,

What is the deal with Corey Magette? He has shown himself to be a good pro player and had such a fine season last year.

You and "Smitty" make a great team. Love to hear you guys announce a game.

John Stanton


John –

No question Corey is a good pro player. Problem is, he and too Many of his teammates are having well less than their best years and that has dramatically limited this team’s success.

Thanks for the kind words. I’ll let Mike know that he FINALLY has a Fan.

- Ralph

Ralph,

For years as Kevin from Chatsworth I inundated pre- and post-game Clipper talk shows with observations and questions. Being back in the Buffalo area for the last eight years I decided to get the NBA League Pass to follow my Clips more obsessively. My questions: Ralph am I a Jinx? Second, what are the pre- or post-game call in numbers?

Kevin Letersky


Kevin –

Good to hear from you after all these years. The phone number to call is: (877) 552-ESPN.

- Ralph

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