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LA Clippers hire Bruce Bowen to partner with Ralph Lawler

By Noah Shatzer

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: The 'Voice of the Clippers' Ralph Lawler and co-host Michael Smith talk to the fans before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers on December 9, 2006 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The Clippers won 89-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: The 'Voice of the Clippers' Ralph Lawler and co-host Michael Smith talk to the fans before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers on December 9, 2006 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The Clippers won 89-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After 15 seasons partnered with Ralph Lawler in the booth, Mike Smith is no longer the Clippers’ color commentator. Now, Bruce Bowen steps in.

Per LA Times reporter Brad Turner, the LA Clippers have hired Bruce Bowen to be the game analyst on broadcasts for this upcoming season. Bowen replaces Michael Smith, who had been the Clippers’ color commentator for the past 15 seasons, and will be the new partner of longtime Clippers game announcer Ralph Lawler, who is entering his 39th season with the team. Smith was the voice of the Clippers’ radio play-by-play for four years before joining Ralph Lawler in the booth to call games for an additional 15 years.

Bowen, who won three championships with the San Antonio Spurs, had been working for ESPN since 2009 as an NBA analyst. Turner added that the Clippers had also reached out TNT analyst Reggie Miller about the position before hiring Bowen. Thankfully though, Miller turned it down.

Along with the change in the booth, the Clippers also replaced their pre/post-game radio host. Turner reported that the organization has replaced James Koh (who took over as host at the start of last season) with Jeanne Zelasko.

This just marks yet another chance that the franchise has undergone this summer. With Media Day next week, you’ll be sure to see several new faces. Are you pleased with the hiring of Bowen? Or will you miss Mike Smith’s commentary? Let us know on Facebook and on Twitter, and stay tuned to Clipperholics for more coverage.

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