Dawson isn’t expecting charges
Clippers rookie forward Branden Dawson said Sunday he was confident charges would not be f iled in his felony spousal abuse case after his attorney spoke with NBA investigators about the issue.
Dawson was arrested last month at a residence in Playa Vista and faces an initial court date Thursday. He said his attorney had advised him not to comment on the specifics of the incident but acknowledged fear about his career being in limbo during the three weeks he was away from the Clippers.
“I was baff led by the whole thing,” Dawson said. “My career and everything can be taken away so fast. That was the one thing I was nervous about, but I never had a doubt in my mind. I knew what happened that night, so I knew the truth was going to come to light.”
Coach Doc Rivers allowed Dawson to rejoin the Clippers on Saturday, saying he was comfortable with his understanding of what had happened based on the accounts of police and others in- volved in the situation.
“I’m not that kind of guy,” Dawson said. “I’m not a criminal. That’s not me.”
Dawson was inactive for the Clippers’ 114- 109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday at Staples Center and has appeared in only three games this season.
Lawler is honored
The Clippers announced they were naming the media and team member entrance at Staples Center after Ralph Lawler as part of daylong festivities to honor the longtime broadcaster.
They also presented Lawler with a coin commemorating the day last month he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Clippers players tried to mimic Lawler’s signature “Bingo!” and “Oh me, oh my” calls during a scoreboard segment, with sometimes comic results.
Lawler, who will turn 78 this month, has said he will return next season, his 38th with the team.
Farewell to Bryant
Rivers joked that the Clippers would hold a parade for the f inal time they host Kobe Bryant on Tuesday because they’re thrilled he’s leaving the NBA after 20 seasons.
“I’ll be very happy when Kobe retires,” said Rivers, whose Boston Celtics split two NBA Finals against Bryant’s Lakers. “He’s inf licted pain on me. I’m looking forward to it. Everyone else is lying. They’re saying they want Kobe to keep playing. That’s not true.”
The Lakers and Clippers will also play Wednesday in a designated Lakers home game, giving them one final game against Bryant unless he is unable to participate.
“On a serious note, it will be different not having him,” Rivers said. “My son Spencer was 1 when he came into the league and he’s still playing. It’s just remarkable how long he’s played, how well he’s played. That part you’ll miss seeing. I won’t actually miss him playing. I’m tired of seeing him play. He’s played too well.”
Etc.
Clippers forward Paul Pierce sat out a third consecutive game because of the sprained right ankle he suffered March 28 against the Celtics. … Clippers forward Jeff Green suffered a cut on his left hand when he hit the court but is not expected to sit out any games.