Both sides in Sterling trial confident ahead of Monday's closing arguments

The trial to determine whether or not Shelly Sterling followed her fiduciary duty in gaining sole control of the Sterling Family Trust and agreeing to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer has concluded the testimony stage, and will move on to closing arguments on Monday at 10 a.m.

While that may sound like things are almost wrapped, there is no telling how long the judge may take to rule following closing arguments. Lawyers for Shelly Sterling and Ballmer have requested the ruling be made expeditiously since the purchase agreement expires on Aug. 15, but there is no indication as to what the timeline looks like beyond Monday.

Also at play as the trial winds down is a request from the legal team of Shelly Sterling. They have asked that, should the ruling go in their favor, the judge order the sale be allowed to go through even if Donald Sterling appeals the ruling, which, given his litigious nature, seems a certainty in the event of a loss.

Confusing matters further for those watching from arm's length is that both sides feel like they have proven their side and are in a good position at present. For Donald Sterling, they believe they've shown that Shelly Sterling "orchestrated the mental capacity issue," while Shelly Sterling's team believes they've shown she followed the letter of the trust.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne lays down a perfect analogy for the situation:

So, check back in Monday, but don't hold your breath for a conclusion to this entire situation anywhere close to that soon. There are a lot of legal hurdles remaining, if not for the actual sale of the team then just between Donald Sterling and all of the other parties involved.