The Los Angeles Clippers are entering an exciting new phase with the opening of their new arena, the Intuit Dome, generating enthusiasm among fans. They are carving out their own identity after years of living in the shadow of their louder neighbors, the Lakers. This transformation is largely credited to Steve Ballmer, who revitalized the franchise after purchasing it from Donald Sterling in 2014. Speaking of Sterling, his tenure from 1981 to 2014 was marked by numerous controversies that left the Clippers in a precarious position. Among the many stories that capture fans’ attention is one shared by Baron Davis.

Significantly, the NBA locker room issues have caused a lot of havoc for the players in recent times. Lately, Ben Simmons saw a fan shouting, “You’re trash” only for an altercation to happen between the Brooklyn Nets players and the fans. Since that incident, the privacy of dressing rooms has become a significant topic of discussion.

In an episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,’ the former Clippers player detailed the eye-opening incidents that transpired after the Clippers won a game during Sterling’s tenure. It’s completely different from what Simmons faced.

Baron Davis remembered, “Coach had just finished. And he says, ‘Hey ladies, meet the guys.’ And I’m sitting right at the door and he was like, ‘Man, you can sit in, you can sit right here and talk to him. Wait till he takes his towel off.’ Whoa, chill.” The Golden State Warriors forward Green couldn’t believe what he listened to with the two having chuckled at the astonishing story.

He continued, “And the old lady was sitting there and asking me all kinds of questions. Bro, I’m sitting there with my towel. Bro, I’m about to wake this old lady up. I’m not about to get up. In the Clippers locker room, it was crazy bro.” We may not see another Sterling reign in the NBA again for good.

Don Sterling’s escapades in the Clippers shocked Baron Davis!

In terms of notable incidents, many people remember the discrimination controversy involving Donald Sterling and V. Stiviano in 2014. The Clippers’ owner made derogatory remarks about Stiviano, prompting immediate action from the league. Reports from ESPN indicated that this incident caused significant unrest among NBA players. Faced with the threat of players refusing to take the court, Adam Silver, who had taken over as commissioner just 90 days earlier, had a critical situation to manage. The players demanded Sterling’s removal, and ultimately, the league had to take decisive action.

Many reasons caused a downfall in Sterling’s collapse. “I think the organization knew, and I’m sure the NBA knew, like we have a bad apple,” said Clippers forward Matt Barnes during the time of the incident. The discriminatory comments came out after recording tapes of Stiviano on her phone.

Another incident happened when Donald Sterling shifted the Clippers from San Diego to L.A. without authorization. Eventually, Steve Ballmer came in to purchase the Clippers from the controversial reign. The NBA came to a standstill during that moment, causing widespread unease among fans, players, owners, and the basketball community.