Clippers' TV Man Ralph Lawler Returning To Booth In '15-16 For 37th Season With Team

Clippers TV play-by-play man Ralph Lawler yesterday said that he "would return" for the '15-16 season, his 37th with the team, according to Ben Bolch of the L.A. TIMES. Lawler, who turns 77 next week, said that there were a "handful of factors that prompted his decision to return." The Clippers are "enjoying an unprecedented period of success that will include a record fourth consecutive playoff appearance and he feels appreciative of new ownership and management that held a Ralph Lawler Night at Staples Center earlier this season." Lawler said, "It's just really hard to turn and walk away from that." Bolch notes Lawler "had a few health issues this season, including complications from kidney stone removal that forced him to miss a game in December and a bout of food poisoning that caused him to slur his words during a game in January." He said that he would "probably undergo hip replacement surgery in the off-season but said he otherwise felt good" (L.A. TIMES, 4/15).