Reports: Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Is Battling Cancer

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is battling prostate cancer.

The 80-year-old has been sick for at least two years, a source told the New York Post on Thursday. ESPN.com later confirmed the story, citing its own sources.

“They thought (Sterling) would die two years ago,” the source told the New York Post.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently announced Sterling’s lifetime ban from the league and $2.5 million fine for racist comments that Sterling’s former girlfriend, V. Stiviano, recorded and allegedly leaked to TMZ.

“People have been predicting his imminent demise. I’m sure he has the best … drugs money can buy,” New York Post’s source is quoted as saying. “He can do anything to keep himself alive.”

Despite his state of health and league ban, Sterling technically still owns the Clippers. If 75 percent of the NBA’s team owners approve, they can force him to sell of the Clippers. Silver is urging owners to move this process along.

“If that is true, my thoughts and prayers are with him,” Clippers star Blake Griffin said. “Nobody deserves to go through something like that.”

Photo via Twitter/@SInow