LOS ANGELES — Deposed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has asked an appellate court to block the $2 billion sale of the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
Lawyers for Sterling asked the Second District Court of Appeals on Friday to stay a probate judge’s ruling that cleared the way for the sale.
They said the judge prematurely finalized his ruling so the sale can be completed without a chance to appeal.
It was unclear if the appeal would have any effect since the judge barred any delays pending appeal. The sale could conceivably go forward while the appeal makes its way through the courts.
Sterling’s estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, negotiated the record sale after the NBA banned the 80-year-old billionaire for making offensive remarks about blacks.
US team adds Gay to roster
The U.S. national basketball team has added Rudy Gay, a day after Kevin Durant’s withdrawal from the team.
Gay, the Sacramento Kings forward who played for the Americans when they won the gold medal in the 2010 world championship, told USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo he was interested in returning if he and coach Mike Krzyzewski were interested.
Colangelo said Friday in a statement: “We both felt he would be a valuable addition because of his outstanding skills and the fact that he is so familiar with USA Basketball and our national team program.”
Gay averaged 20 points last season for Toronto and Sacramento.
Source: Rockets agree with Papanikolaou
HOUSTON — A person with knowledge of the deal said the Houston Rockets have agreed to terms with Greek forward Kostas Papanikolaou.
The person spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced by the team. The 6-foot-9 Papanikolaou was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2012. His rights were traded to Portland, then to Houston in July 2013.
Papanikolaou most recently played for FC Barcelona. He has been a standout for the Greek national team, earning Most Valuable Player honors at the Under-20 European championship in 2009. Before playing for FC Barcelona, Papanikolaou helped Olympiacos win Euroleague championships in 2012 and 2013.
By wire sources