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,

Before the loss to Sacramento you said that if the Clips, Lakers and Warriors end up with the same record, Lakers are out of the playoffs. There still is a chance that even with the loss against Sacramento, the Clips could still end up and 41-41 and Lakers and GS could also end up at 41-41...why are the Lakers guaranteed a playoff spot already? Please clarify.

Russell R., Valencia, CA

Russell –

I suspect you misunderstood me, but I may have mis-spoke. The Lakers own and have owned for some time the tie-breaker be it with the Clippers or Golden State. The Clippers, meanwhile, own the tie-breaker with the Warriors.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I can't believe every home game, we have a disadvantage of officiating. It was heart breaking loss vs. the Kings. I'm sitting only five rows the behind visitor bench and sometimes I'm seeing better than the officials are. Are they ever evaluated by somebody?

Mindy Inouye, Manhattan Beach, CA

Mindy –

Believe me, the loss to Sacramento on Sunday was not the referee’s fault. Every player in the Clipper locker room knew that. Our guys were simply not ready to go in that game. And yes, the refs are evaluated nightly. There is an NBA Observer present at each game, plus the officials’ questionable calls are reviewed by the league office and the head of officials in New York. They are under very close scrutiny. They are graded and ranked each year. Those at the bottom of the list are generally not invited back for the following season.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I've heard several versions re: the Clippers receiving the Minnesota 2007 first round draft pick. What are the options, if any, available to each team?

Bob Bakay, Garden Grove, CA

Bob –

The pick will stay with Minnesota for another year. They finished with one of the 10 worst records in the league which means they keep the pick.

- Ralph

Mr. Lawler,

Without any loosey goosy answers, who would you say is the better color commentator: Mike Smith or Bill Walton?

Mike Whang, Arcadia, CA

Mike –

Let me be very clear about this… Bill and Mike are two very different personality types on and off the air. I do not hesitate to say that of all the people I’ve worked with, they are the two most recent. I hope this has clarified things for you.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

Every time I wear my "Clipper Nation" shirt people always come up to me and ask me about the Lakers. I was wondering does this ever happen to you and how many "Clipper Nation" shirts do you have?

Tony Lu, San Gabriel, CA

Tony –

Clipper Nation was born in a Lakers town. The good news is that the Nation is growing. I think my wife and I both have such a T-shirt.

- Ralph

Ralph,

What other broadcasters did/do you use for inspiration? And for any young aspiring broadcasters out there, which ones would you recommend trying to learn off (other than yourself)?

Also, to that guy who said he was the only Clippers fan in Perth, Australia, you're not. There are at least three of us I now know. Clipper Nation truly is a worldwide thing!

Jacob Kagi, Perth, Australia

Jacob –

I grew up listening to Chick Hearn when he was broadcasting Bradley U. basketball games in Peoria, Illinois. I was also influenced early on by Jack Quinlan who was the announcer for the Chicago Cubs. Early in my career, I admired the work of a young Dick Enberg and I hope a little of all three rubbed off on me.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I have known Shaun since he was nine years old. Would you please tell him I am wondering how he's doing? Also do you consider this a career ending injury for him because in one of your earlier responses you said the Clippers need to draft or trade for a point guard.

Jerry Freudenburg, Peoria, IL.

Jerry –

Shaun is doing well. Obviously, some days are better than others and he has a long road ahead of him before he’s able to play again. The doctors believe he will be able to play again; however, this team needs a back-up plan and that will be developed either through the draft, free agency or trades.

- Ralph

Hello Ralph,

First I would like to say... "BINGO!"... "OH MIYOOO MY!" Listening to you and Mike call the games are always so pleasant and entertaining.

I've been quite frustrated with the way T. Thomas have been playing defense, or lack of, and his ball controlling is horrendous. At times, he just runs waiving his hands up. (I know the league right now is basically all offense) He has yet to live up to his 4 yrs/ 24 million contract.

Do you think the Clips will retain him after this season?

Dino Cheng, Los Angeles, CA

Dino –

I think you are a little hard on Tim. He’s close to the single season franchise record for 3-pointers made and that’s why the team signed him in the last off-season. As you point out, he has three years left on his contract. When healthy, he’s played well. He’s an asset, not a liability.

- Ralph

Ralph,

When I'm at a Clippers game they obviously play music over the PA system during timeouts to get the crowd going. I don't recall music continuing to play at Clippers home games once the game is back in progress. In a recent game against the Hornets it annoyed me that during OT, after a 20 second time out, while the Clippers are in-bounding the ball, their PA system continued blaring music and did so for about 5 seconds after play began. Are there sportsmanship rules that home teams are supposed to adhere to such as cutting the PA music during play? Or, for example, restraining from televising a missed call on the arena jumbotron so that the refs can hear it from the fans?

Cedric Yoshimoto, Irivne, CA

Cedric –

I’m sure there are guidelines that must be followed and I’m confident that the Clipper game-night people are following them.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I've noticed the Clippers have very strong frontcourt output nearly every game, with Elton throwing out 20 and 10 nearly every night, while Kaman gets about 10 and 10. I was wondering (seeing as how I'm in Alabama and only see a few fleeting highlights of the games) how the Clips continue to give up fourth quarter leads. Is it too much too soon? Or do they just start coasting and can't turn the heat back on?

Nick Flynt, Huntsville, AL

Nick –

See below.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I have noticed a lot this season that the Clippers have pulled ahead by a lot in some games but they let the other teams come back and make the games close like they did against the Hornets and the Nuggets. Why do you think they let this happen?

Taylor Moxon, Long Beach, CA

Nick & Taylor –

It’s all a part of the NBA game. It is different than in college basketball. The 24-second clock gives teams opportunities to get back into basketball games. Substitution patterns also play a part. Few players can go 48-minutes a game. The pro game is a game of streaks. The winning team usually has more good streaks than bad streaks.

- Ralph

Ralph,

You have twice missed reporting that when Elton Brand jumped against Hilton Armstrong they were two guys from the same small city high school... Peekskill High. Not too many NBA players going against each other from the same high school.

Don Kuritzky, Peekskill, NY

Don –

You must not have been listening very closely, because we talked at length about it. Hilton is 6 years younger than Elton and has held him as an idol. Coach P. nurtured both players and E.B. has known the young man since he was 10 or so years old. We’ve mentioned this several times on the air. We also congratulated the coach for winning another title this year. Sorry you missed it

- Ralph

Dear Ralph,

I am a very loyal and a big fan of the Clipper Nation. Last week, I discussed with my friends about the Clippers, one of them said that you and Mike are biased against other NBA teams. I thought about it and I am sad to say that what he said had a point. Don’t get me wrong, I love what you guys are doing. You guys bring pride to Clipper fans. However, shouldn’t you guys just be a mediator of the action?

Sincerely and behind only to Clipper Darrell as a fan,
Joseph Redondo

Joseph –

Some Clipper fans think we are way too hard on the Clipper players and spend too much time praising an opposing team or player. Beauty is in the eyes of the viewer/listener. In reality, just know that we try to be fair supporters and critics.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I have been a Clippers fan for a decade now and I just want know why the Clippers never did the right thing by picking good players in the past drafts? They let go of caliber players like Amare, Tayshaun, etc. Whew! They should pick the right player like other teams are picking the right guys for the right position. Man! We are still waiting for the Clippers to do the right thing on Draft Day..

Thanks a lot and more power!
Vernon De Leon, Lomita, CA

Vernon –

Every team in the league has a spotty record on draft day. The draft is a Crap shoot unless you get #1 when a Tim Duncan or a Shaq O’Neal is available. Remember please, that two teams passed on Michael Jordan… 12 passed on Karl Malone… The Clippers missed on Michael Olowokandi in 1998, but he was ranked #1 on virtually every NBA team’s draft board. It’s a “Miss” now, but it was a slam dunk back then. Lamar Odom was certainly a solid Clipper pick… the separate Draft Day deals to acquire Elton Brand and Corey Maggette were great moves. Korolev in 2005 doesn’t look like a good pick right now, but neither do a lot of players taken in the middle of that draft.

- Ralph

Ralph,

You da man! One quick question: did you recently buy Mike Smith a Thesaurus? It seems like he's trying to show off his shiny new vocabulary during recent broadcasts. Keep up the good work.

Cheyne Ebata, Koloa, HI

Cheyne –

I keep telling Mike that any word with more than two syllables is a challenge for me. It doesn’t seem to help.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Great call against the Lakers! 118-110 comeback win! I know it was a TNT television broadcast, but I tuned in you and Mike for the 4th quarter and we pulled it out. You are the Clippers and that is a compliment!

Mark Phillips, Long Beach, CA

Mark –

Thanks so much.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Thanks for all the hard work you do to making Clipper telecasts so outstanding. What does a normal game day for you consist of? How early do you tend to arrive at the arena? Do you think the Clippers will trade Maggette or have he and Dunleavy fixed their situation?

Michael M., Camarillo, CA

Michael –

I spend several hours each day in preparation for a given game. I usually get going about 8:00 am and feel comfortable with my preparation by 2 or 2:30. My wife and I leave home about 3:45 and arrive at Staples Center by 5 pm.

I think the Maggette-Dunleavy situation fixed itself with the passing of the trade deadline, the tweaking of the offense and Corey’s resolve to play the way the coach has wanted him to play all along. Corey Maggette has been great! I have no idea if he’ll be traded, but his trade value has certainly improved.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I would like to see the Clippers make a move for Paul Gasol of the Grizzlies. Although I like Chris Kaman, I think Gasol's game is more developed, and is a better fit for Dunleavy's style.

Maybe they could package Kaman with a draft pick. What do you think?

Gary Moone, Los Angeles, CA

Gary –

I’m sure the club will focus on all of that when the season is over and especially once the draft is behind them. I know they are determined to improve themselves dramatically in the off-season.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Despite being an over-emotional Irishman prone to exaggeration, I gotta ask: Do you agree that the 4/12 win over the Lakers was the biggest in LAC history?

A nationally televised, must-win, 17-point comeback victory over our in-city rivals? Wow. As far as a regular season game goes, it doesn't get much better in my opinion.

In Sam (and Corey & EB) we trust,
Dave Callanan, Seattle, WA

Dave –

As a regular season game I agree that was a classic and right at the top of the list. Question is, was it enough?

- Ralph

Ralph,

Do you think playing for Team USA Basketball has or will hurt Elton Brand physically. It is a great honor and privilege but is that too much basketball for E.B.?

P.S. I've heard other basketball commentators refer to Lawler's Law in non-Clipper games, do you have it copyright protected? Hey...."It's the Law."

David Ortiz, Los Angeles, CA

David –

I thought Elton looked tired early in the year but he’s found his energy lately and has played some great basketball. He’s OK physically and I suspect he’s learned some things about his body during his busy schedule over the past 12 months.

Regarding Lawler’s Law … I get a kick out of it when others refer to it.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I heard Chauncey Billups will be on the market this summer. Are the Clips thinking about him as a key to taking us to elite NBA team status?

Mike Whang, Arcadia, CA

Mike –

Thinking of him is one thing… signing him is another. I would be amazed if Detroit let him go. He’ll be a Piston for the rest of his career.

- Ralph

Ralph,

If the Clippers don’t make the playoffs I put most of the blame on the coach. Mike Dunleavy should have put Corey Maggette in the starting lineup sooner. Another problem I have with Dunleavy is that he doesn’t reward players with minutes after having a good game á la James Singleton.

Steve Santiago, Compton, CA

Steve –

Don’t agree at all about the coach. He started Corey when Corey committed to the program. It was first seen in practice and then it carried over into the games. The coach should be congratulated for helping Corey improve his game. James is used when the coach thinks he can help the team. Trust me, he knows what he’s doing.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

First of all, you truly are a legend. Do you ever know what happened to Ty Nesby and Keith Closs?

Jesse Galvan, La Mirada, CA

Jesse –

Last I heard, Nesby was playing somewhere overseas and Keith Closs was hanging out in L.A.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Why do teams switch baskets at halftime? My guess is so each coach has an opportunity to be on defense one half and offense the next.

Ryan Rigali, San Diego, CA

Ryan –

Well, not exactly. The visiting team chooses which basket they want to start the game. Usually, the visiting coach wants his defense in front of him in the second half. They switch at the half just to keep things fair. Each team has an equal opportunity at each goal.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

Love the way you are passionate when you announce the Clips. Do you feel Livingston can recover from this injury?

Thanks,
Adam Stein, CA

Adam –

Thanks. The passion is genuine. I love my job.

I’m hopeful that Shaun will return. How soon and at what level of play will be determined through his rigorous rehab.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Chris Kaman can average 6 points more per game if he’d dunk more often. Did you or anyone you are aware of, ever discussed this with him. Is there an explanation on this very passive style of play from this 7-footer?

You and Mike are doing an excellent job. The chemistry is great.

Regards,
Tony Creque, CA

Tony –

I sure don’t think he’s passive. Overactive sometimes, but not passive. He’s been encouraged to finish plays more aggressively but I guess it is easier said than done.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Why does James Singleton sit on the bench so much? I love watching that guy play ball. I actually wish he was traded so I could watch him play more.

David Bar, Tarzana, CA

David –

James is an energy guy who can help the team at various times. His offensive and defensive games are works in progress. As they progress, he’ll get more and more opportunities.

- Ralph

Dear Ralph,

Are you related to the WWE wrestling legend Jerry "The King" Lawler?

George Kechkarian, Los Angeles, CA

George –

I’ve heard of him for years but I’ve not seen him on our family tree.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph!

If the Clippers finally have a chance to retire a former Braves/Clipper player's jersey number, who should it be?

From a 12 year Clippers fan,
Robby Mendoza, Torrance, CA

Robby –

Among those I’d like to see retired: Bob McAdoo’s #11, World B Free’s #24 Bill Walton’s #32 and down the road … Elton Brand’s #42.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Why is it that when the Clippers go on a shooting drought they stray away from their best player Elton Brand? I mean wouldn't you think hey this guy we got down in the paint is pretty automatic from around the basket so why take a contested jumper?

Randy Schneider, San Antonio, TX

Randy –

Sometimes the perimeter players drift away from the plan which is almost always to get to E.B. on the left box. Then, sometimes, he’s being double and triple teamed to a degree that there are better options elsewhere.

- Ralph

Hey RALPH!

What did your parents think when you told them you want to become a sport broadcaster for a living? What other career would you consider?

John Chan, Rosemead, CA

John –

I think they were pleased. My dad was in the theatre business all his life so he liked the idea of his kid being on the radio. Mom loved anything that made me happy. I’ve dabbled in real estate over the years but radio, TV and the Clippers are what float my boat.

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

Do you ever get tired of all the (much deserved) praise from Clipper Nation?

Also, I've been reading some articles out of Chicago bemoaning the trade that brought Brand to LA. I'd like to hear from your perspective. At the time, was there ever a doubt that the trade was an absolute steal? I mean, how is routinely going for 20-10 a bad thing? I'm having trouble seeing it from the Bulls point of view.

You and that Mike Smith guy are great.

Jose Moralees, Los Angeles, CA

Jose –

Nobody gets tired of praise (deserved or not). I do get tired of hearing praise for that Mikesmith guy, though. ENOUGH ALREADY!

Regarding the Brand trade. I recall the day as if it were yesterday. The Clips had the second pick in the draft that year and teams were anxious to get it from the Clippers. The final choice came down to acquiring Stephon Marbury from New Jersey or Elton Brand from Chicago. Thank goodness, Elgin Baylor had the wisdom to make the deal for E.B. It was a steal that day and remains so now, six years later.

The Clippers gave up Tyson Chandler who is a nice player, but they got a gem in Brand. The Bulls wound up trading Chandler to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith. They traded Smith to Denver for two second round picks. Bottom line: The Bulls got P.J. Brown and 2 second round draft picks for Elton Brand! Yikes.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

I would like to recommend you a great Estonian player. He has already played in the NBA in 1996-98.He is the pride of Estonian basketball. Martin Muursepp-Martin is one of the greatest players in the history of the Estonian basketball. In his career the power forward played in the NBA and for the elite Euro league teams. I’m sure that he is capable to play in the NBA again. It would be great if Clippers would send him an invitation to the summer league. Could you have a look on him please?

Thanks for your answer.
Juri Rovgeisha, Tallinn, Estonia

Juri –

I remember Martin, well. He played with Dallas and Miami. He’s 33 this year and the NBA may have passed him by. However, the Clippers are very active scouting in Europe and I’m sure our scouts there are well aware of his level of NBA-readiness.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Did the orthopedic surgeon ever consider a knee replacement instead of repairing Shaun Livingston's knee?

Gerald Taitz, Chatsworth, CA

Gerald –

Knee replacement is great for a 55-year-old weekend golfer. It’s not an option for an NBA player.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Is it harder to deal with Mike Smith or with Lakers fans in Los Angeles?

Daniel Granados, Whittier, CA

Daniel –

Now that’s a tough one. I’d say, "Jump Ball."

- Ralph

Ralph,

Acie Law would look in a Clipper uniform. Any chance he could be the Clippers PG of the future?

Kelly, Fresno, CA

Kelly –

If the Clippers had Minnesota’s pick, he might have been a possibility. As it is, I doubt that he’ll still be there when the Clippers pick.

- Ralph

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