Stern Says Relationship With Sterling ‘Interesting’

In his five years as commissioner of the National Basketball Assn., David Stern has probably dealt with Donald T. Sterling of the Clippers more than any other owner, although their time together does not appear to have bred mutual understanding.

Take, for example, Sterling’s recollection of the Clippers’ season-opening party at his Beverly Hills home in November, which Stern attended while on a West Coast swing that also included presenting the Lakers their championship rings and attending the first game at Sacramento’s new Arco Arena.

“(Stern) likes the celebrities, he likes the music people, he likes the movie stars,” Sterling said in December. “He liked the sponsors and he loved the media. So it was a wonderful day.

“It was such a wonderful day that when it was over, he called his wife and said, ‘You’ve got to come over. It’s fun. It’s not like Miami and it’s not like Philadelphia and it’s not like Sacramento.’ ”

True story?

“Absolutely not,” Stern replies without hesitation.

Then he laughs.

“No,” he says again. “He’s the best. Oh, gosh, Donald.”

This isn’t the first time Stern has had to contradict a potentially embarrassing statement by Sterling, either.

“I think he’s a fascinating person who is absolutely determined to make the Clippers a success in Los Angeles,” Stern said of Sterling.

But how do Sterling’s comments affect his role?

Stern paused.

“He makes it interesting,” the commissioner said.