Report: Clippers owner Donald Sterling battling cancer

Clippers owner Donald Sterling is battling prostate cancer and has surprised those around him by surviving as long as he has, sources told The New York Post on Thursday.

"They thought [Sterling] would die two years ago," one source told The Post.

"People have been predicting his imminent demise. I'm sure he has the best ... drugs money can buy," said the source, who reportedly works closely with pro sports teams. "He can do anything to keep himself alive."

Some of Sterling's medication is reportedly responsible for the puffy appearance of his face.

Earlier this week, Sterling was banned for life by NBA commissioner Adam Silver after several recorded racist remarks surfaced. Silver also urged the other NBA owners to force a sale of the Clippers, which would oust the 80-year-old Sterling out of the exclusive club.

According to the Associated Press, the owners group hopes to remove him quickly.

More from The Post:

"[Sterling's] calling everyone, saying: 'Tell me I'm not a racist,' " a source said, noting that the friends are refusing, for fear that Sterling was recording them.

Sources said Sterling has also been telling friends that he doesn't understand the public furor over his recorded comments to then-girlfriend V. Stiviano, whom he scolded for publicly "associating with black people" and told not to bring any black friends to "my games."