The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Frederick Klein profiles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling and writes, "Mr. Sterling pleads guilty to riding the wave of NBA prosperity." Sterling: "This thing of ours just keeps growing, and I've benefited greatly. I paid about $12 million for the team and could sell it today for $300 million if I wanted to. It's hard to believe." Sterling: "I'd love to have a winner -- love to -- but it's not easy. ... I'm not a dumb person, but I have to admit I can't get a handle on this sports business. It's so hard!" Sterling concludes, "I never sell anything I buy" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/14). NBA NOTES: Orca Bay President & CEO Stan McCammon said that "talks continue" with prospective Grizzlies Owner Bill Laurie to purchase the team, but adds, "Mr. Laurie has certainly not told me he is not interested in owning the team" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 1/13)....In Ft. Worth, Dwain Price reports that the Mavericks "have offered" former G Derek Harper a job in community relations, sales and marketing. Price notes that Harper is "expected to make a decision" today (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 1/14).
