Sterling trial: Judge tentatively OKs sale of Clippers

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An L.A. County Superior Court judge tentatively approved the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers Monday.

Judge Michael Levanas issued a tentative ruling against Donald Sterling in favor of Shelly Sterling, allowing the sale to go forward without appeal.

Levanas found that Shelly acted properly and correctly removed Donald from the process. Shelly Sterling has negotiated the sale of the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.

"It's going to be good for the city, for the fans, for the league, for everybody, and that's all we want," said Shelly Sterling outside court Monday.

L.A. Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas ruled Monday that Shelly acted in the best interest of the family trust when she took over as sole trustee in May. That happened after two doctors found that Donald Sterling was suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The judge also ruled that Shelly had every right to negotiate the sale of the team to billionaire Steve Ballmer.

"I think we have the best new owner that anybody could ever find," said Shelly.

And perhaps most importantly, Judge Levanas ruled that the sale can continue forward, even as Donald's attorneys plan to appeal the ruling.

"This is one stage of a long war," said Bobby Samini, Donald Sterling's attorney. "This is one battle. We had hoped for a different result, but this is not the end."

Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA in March after a recording of a racist rant was made public.

Monday, Shelly said eventually her husband will support her decision.

Donald has two lawsuits pending against the NBA, his wife and the Clippers team. One lawsuit is in state court, the other in federal court.

But the real significance as of Monday is that he can appeal all he wants, but the sale can move forward. Shelly Sterling and Steve Ballmer are hoping to have it finalized by August 15.