Magic Johnson on Donald Sterling: He is trying to keep the team, but it's not going to happen

Magic Johnson has said he is not interested in buying the Clippers. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Magic Johnson responded to Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments that he is a bad role model by saying Sterling is desperate to find a way to hold on to the team he has owned for 33 years, according to an interview he gave to TMZ Sports.

Johnson said he disagreed with Sterling's assertion that he is a poor role model because he is HIV positive.

"I am a proud black man. I am one of the leaders in the black community, and I take that role seriously."

The former Laker also said that Sterling was trying to do whatever it took to keep his ownership of the Clippers.

"He's reaching. He's trying to find something that he can grab on to help him save his team. And it's not going to happen."

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Sterling lashed out against Johnson in an interview with Anderson Cooper on Monday night, saying he should be ashamed of himself for having HIV, and that he should not be in the public eye.