Lawler

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,

Have you or Mike Smith ever received offers to do National television? I think you would be a great NBA Finals commentator.

Isa Neustaedter, Irvine, CA

Isa –

We’ve both done a number of games on NBA.TV, but if you’d like to petition ABC to hire us for the NBA Finals, we would not object.

Actually, I think there are announcers who are more comfortable working National or Regional games and there are others who are more comfortable working with one team as a team announcer. I certainly fit the latter category. I love to be a part of the team and caring who wins or loses. Mike is early enough in his career that I think he could follow whichever path he chooses.

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

A while back Mike Smith talked about asking Tim Thomas about his little hand wave in front of his face after he hits a shot. Did Mike find out what that was all about? Thanks!

Kent Estep, Los Angeles, CA

Kent –

I think Tim is just indicating how HOT that hand is.

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

It's really hard to revise anything you do, but I have a theory about Lawler's Law that I think you should know about. How about if neither team reaches 100 by the end of the game, the team closest to 100 wins? That would make your rule about 99% successful, and make you look like even more of a genius. I'm joking of course -- how can you possibly look like any more of a genius? God Bless ya Ralph, I love your work! Go Clippers!

Julie Jessup, Redlands, CA

Julie –

Dr. Naismith actually had the right idea when he invented the game: The team with the most points wins! EVERYTIME.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

What positions will the Clipper brass attempt to shore up this off-season? What are the team's greatest weaknesses that must be addressed? Thanks.

Robert Lehrer, Tarzana, CA

Robert –

Considering Shaun Livingston’s injury and Sam Cassell’s age, I would think that point guard would be the #1 priority and another shooter would be a secondary priority.

- Ralph

Ralph,

My sons and I really enjoy your broadcasts with Mike Smith. My now three-year-old equates basketball of any sort with 'Ka-MAN' as he says. I saw your all-time Clipper team last week Ralph; can you name a second team as well? Thanks for all the Clipper Excitement!

JB, Winnetka, CA

JB –

First team was:

F. Elton Brand
F. Danny Manning
C. Bill Walton
G. World B. Free
G. Norm Nixon

Ralph,

I know the conventional wisdom of the broadcasters is to say that Coach Dunleavy has improved Corey's game, but isn't it at least possible that Coach was wrong and Corey was right - Corey should have been starting all along? After all, we were 14-5 with Corey starting last season before he was injured.

Richard Meyers, Irvine, CA

Richard –

Your numbers are way off. Corey only started 13 games total for the Clippers last season. The record was 9-4. These can be tricky numbers with which to work. A lot depends on who the Clippers were playing during those 13 games.

The credit for his recent turnaround certainly does not go just to Coach Dunleavy. Corey deserves a world of credit for adjusting his game. He’s never played better, but the coach has helped guide him through this.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

I know this isn't a basketball related question this time but I was just curious. Do you and your Sweet Jo have any pets? My kitty Bootsy is on the Clippers Web site as a member of Clipper Nation in my Clipper Chair watching a game.

Thanks,
Leah Crenshaw, Pomona, CA

Leah –

No pets for us at this point. We have our hands full keeping care of each other. However, I think we will get a dog at some point in the future. We both grew up with pets.

Regards to Bootsy.

- Ralph

Hola Ralph,

How are you? Well I'm wondering how do you determine which memory of "Ralph’s Remembers" to show that night, and how accurate has Lawler’s Law been? Thanks for the many years of dedication. GO CLIPPERS!!!

Leo Turtle, Los Angeles, CA

Leo –

The Remembers thing is just a matter of going through the schedule and seeing what happened in the past on a given date. Some are more memorable than others.

Regarding Lawler’s Law, the Clippers research department has determined the following: in games involving the Clippers since 1978, the team reaching 100 points first has won 1,638 times in 1,785 games. This season’s record is 43-2 or 96% accurate. The Law is powerful. But then, it’s the Law.

- Ralph

Hey there Ralph,

Just wanted to ask you about any upcoming changes to the lineup next season. Who's leaving and who's staying? I love the Clippers the way they are but I know things are about to change. So is there by any chance you know any lineup changes? I'm Praying that Sam doesn't leave the team but seeing how his injuries have slowed him down significantly I see him hanging up the towel pretty soon. Any ideas?

Timothy Bagsic, Ontario, CA

Timothy –

The focus right now is on the drive to the playoffs. This summer will take care of itself at the right time. Sam has another year on his contract and I would certainly expect him to return better and healthier next season. There will be changes because there always are changes from year to year. I’m sure the changes made will be to improve the team.

- Ralph

Dear Ralph,

Since the draft is going to be filled with centers and power forwards, do you think that the Clippers will try to find a back up power forward for Brand?

Taylor Moxon, Long Beach, CA

Taylor –

You never have too many “bigs.” Drafting somewhere in the middle of Round One with one and possibly two picks, the Clippers will either take the best player(s) available or maybe try to move up in the draft or package the pick(s) in some type of trade. Way too early for any meaningful speculation, but their options are many.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Coach Dunleavy must have already seen it but if not, this is worth considering: Watch the videos on how Phoenix used Tim Thomas' shooting ability. He is a catch-and-shoot guy, can't make baskets by himself. Clippers point guards must set him up for open treys. He should not dribble anymore just catch and shoot. This is how he played in Phoenix and was very effective. Thank you.

Ding Rogero

Ding –

Coach doesn’t need to watch the videos, he saw it first-hand in a 7-game series against the Suns in the playoffs last season. They liked what he did well enough to offer him a 4-year contract in the off-season. Thomas is more than a catch-and-shoot player and whatever they are doing… it is working. Tim has made 18 of 32 “3’s” in his last 7 games through Mar. 24th.

- Ralph

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