Longtime Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler on IR for Pelicans game
Longtime Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler had kidney stone surgery Saturday and missed the Clippers game against the Pelicans. Lawler is expected to be back Monday.
Lawler Tweeted this about his surgery: "Clarity: not "under weather." Had surgery this AM to break up a large and troublesome kidney stone. Healing and recovering. Will be fine.
Filling in for Lawler on play-by-play duties on Prime Ticket is Brian Sieman, who is the Clippers radio play-by-play announcer.
Mike Smith continues in his role as the analyst, and Isaac Lowenkron will take over play-by-play duties on radio.
Lawler, 76, is well known for catchy phrases that fans have come to love about his work, like "Oh me oh my!" and "Bingo!"
"This is the first game I have ever missed because of injury or illness," Lawler tweeted. "(Cannot) believe I am not going to be there."
Sieman said there will be some changes as he switches from calling the game on radio to television.
"There's a lot (of differences)," Sieman said. "The prep work is still the same. My overall goal is to actually say less and let the game speak for itself. I don't have an analyst on radio. I actually prefer it that way, but I do enjoy working with people.
.@bsieman - clippers radio play yplay - on filling in for @laclippers Ralph Lawler, under the weather & e https://t.co/iYKGoWUPnf
— Jill Painter Lopez (@jillpainter) December 7, 2014
"I'm looking forward to working with Mike. My goal will be say less and promote Mike's thoughts more. Let the fans figure out what’s going on through his words and try to set him up as much as possible."
The Clippers play the Phoenix Suns on Monday at Staples Center, and Lawler is expected to return for that game.