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LA Clippers: Team PA Announcer to honor Ralph Lawler nightly

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler retires after 40 years of broadcasting during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler retires after 40 years of broadcasting during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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For the first time in forty years, Ralph Lawler will not call an LA Clippers’ game this season. This doesn’t mean his traditions won’t be carried on though.

On Tuesday night, for the first opener in forty years, LA Clippers fans did not have a way to listen to Ralph Lawler call the game. Frankly, it sucks. This isn’t a knock on Brian Sieman, who we expect to be an amazing replacement, but it just feels off. For the first time in franchise history, the Clippers are a championship favorite. This is the season Ralph toiled away waiting for. Now he’ll just have to watch from home like the rest of us.

Thankfully, the team’s PA Announcer, Eric Smith, intends to keep Ralph’s legacy going. On Twitter today, Smith reached out to Lawler with an idea. For all Clippers’ home games, Smith will announce Lawler’s Law when the Clips are the first team to hit 100 points.

This was a classy move by Eric and brought one of those wholesome smiles to my face when I saw it pop up on my Twitter feed. Ralph meant that much to everyone involved with the franchise.

Making this tribute even more unique is the fact that he will be doing so using Ralph’s golden microphone. This mic was made to honor Ralph and to keep a part of him with the franchise and was presented to him during the last regular game of the 2018-19 season on April 10 versus the Utah Jazz where he was honored for his time with the Clippers. Ralph was able to call a few more playoff games after the ceremony and then finally was able to step down.

No surprise to any of us, Ralph graciously allowed Eric to do so. The legacy of Ralph Lawler will live on in Staples Center and into the team’s new arena. That’s pretty special.

Next. Clippers to face Warriors in new arena. dark

If you are pining for Ralph, he can still be found on Twitter offering insight and memories from his time with the game. It’s not quite the same as hearing “Oh me, oh my!”, but it’s still something.

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