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James Dolan to sue LA Clippers’ Steve Ballmer

By Toby James

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 25: Steve Ballmer, Owner of the LA Clippers, walks through the fans before Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 25: Steve Ballmer, Owner of the LA Clippers, walks through the fans before Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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News emerged today that the MSG group fronted by New York Knicks owner James Dolan is considering taking legal action to prevent LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer from pursuing plans to build a new arena in Inglewood.

Details from Kurt Helin at NBC Sports discuss the grounds for the legal action. Basically, Dolan’s group owns the old Forum which now functions as an entertainment venue. The group does not want competition through a brand new arena as Ballmer and the LA Clippers look to become neighbours to the LA Rams.

It is interesting to note Dolan’s inclusion. The Knicks owner has been in the news of late for a range of reasons from the merciful end to the Phil Jackson tenure to the Charles Oakley public relations fiasco this past season.

Meanwhile, Steve Ballmer has been establishing himself as one of the best owners in the league, putting team success first through intelligent acquisitions such as advisor Jerry West, and sitting under the basket at Staples to cheer on the Clippers.

LOS ANGELES CA – OCTOBER 29: Steve Ballmer (C), owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, cheers for his team with his wife Connie Ballmer (L) at his side during pre game ceremonies before the home opener against Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center October 29, 2015, 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES CA – OCTOBER 29: Steve Ballmer (C), owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, cheers for his team with his wife Connie Ballmer (L) at his side during pre game ceremonies before the home opener against Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center October 29, 2015, 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Helin notes that it is likely that the ruling will favor Ballmer and the Clippers, and perhaps this will be aided because the city of Inglewood will bear no cost for the venture – Ballmer plans to fund the arena out of his own pocket.

Ballmer on the Woj Pod

Ballmer joined Adrian Wojnarowski on his podcast this week to discuss the purchase of the Clippers several years on, the franchise’s direction and how he feels about recent developments such as the Chris Paul trade. Generally, Ballmer reiterated his commitment to furthering a winning culture for the Clippers. He also praised the work of the front office in bringing in a haul including Patrick Beverley and Danilo Gallinari when Paul could have walked for nothing.

Ballmer and Wojnarowski also discussed the former’s intentions to buy a team to move to Seattle, his home town. Ballmer once again reiterated that he would not be moving the Clippers to Seattle.

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