Clipperholics
Fansided

5 Biggest Clipper Moments of the Decade

By Bo Allen

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 1: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers stands at center court during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 1: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers stands at center court during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 1, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
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) /

Number Three: Ralph Lawler’s Retirement

Ralph Lawler is a Clippers’ legend. There is no other way to say it.

He represented the team over the television broadcast for four decades. He was with the team since their days in San Diego and stuck with the franchise until 2019. It’s no secret the Clippers often aren’t the top team in the NBA. Many times the franchise is towards the bottom of the league. During the darkest periods of the team’s history one shining point was Ralph Lawler. He knew the team was below par and he took it upon himself to keep fans interested.

He made sure to bring his own flair and style to the broadcasts and to inject his personality into the game. This allowed the fans to feel more connected to the team. By bringing his own energy into it, he got the fans energized too. As the voice of the Clippers for 41 years many fans grew up with him calling the game, myself included.

At the end of 2019 Ralph Lawler retired. It was bittersweet for all involved. He had put everything he had into the franchise and decided that it was his time to hang it up. The Clippers gave him his flowers though that’s for sure. He was honored in a special ceremony for his last home game and called the game with his longtime friend and partner Bill Walton. They also had a golden microphone made in his honor, because he always called games with his handheld mic.

Ralph is a treasured part of the franchise’s history and will always be remembered as one. His legacy and voice will always be remembered by the players and fans who listened to him.