LeBron James chose not to sign with Los Angeles Clippers in 2010 because of Donald Sterling

Apr 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Charlotte Bobcats in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

We are starting to learn more and more about just how much players already despised Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, as LeBron James avoided to team in 2010 because of him. James signed with the Miami Heat in the infamous ‘Decision’, and instantly became a villain.

However, the reason he stayed out East and didn’t head to Los Angeles was because of a real villain.

According to ESPN, record mogul David Geffen told Jeremy Schaap that LeBron James wanted to come out West in 2010 more than he wanted to play in Miami, but Donald Sterling kept him on the other side of the country.

"LeBron James was interested in playing in Los Angeles when he was a free agent in 2010. But James, who ultimately signed with the Miami Heat, told Geffen that he would not play for Sterling."

Geffen’s name is starting to be relevant to the NBA again not because of the various artists of his he has court side at games in Los Angeles and New York but because he is showing an interest in buying the Clippers.

Once Donald Sterling is out, the team will have the cloud that has hung over them for almost 40 years dissipate and free agents like LeBron James will no longer be turned off by ownership.