Ballmer not bothered by reaction to Clippers' new logo, says team will stay in L.A. 'forever'

Give Steve Ballmer credit for one thing: the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers is trying to give the long-ridiculed franchise a new identity. Whether it's his courtside antics or roundly-savaged new logo, when coupled with the team's recent success on the floor, it's all a departure from the reign of the decrepit Donald Sterling.

"Many people really don't like change in this world, they really don't," Ballmer told ESPN's Arash Markazi regarding the much-maligned new uniform, which he unveiled on "Conan" Wednesday night. "This will take some getting used to for people who really liked where we were."

Ballmer also told Markazi he has no plans to move the Clippers out of Los Angeles, despite some speculation that the Seattle-based billionaire could be lured to a new arena in that city.

"I bought a team in L.A. that will be in L.A. forever," the former Microsoft CEO said. "The value of the team is highly dependent on it being here in L.A. Atlanta just sold for $850 million. That’s not what I paid for L.A."

Ballmer paid $2 billion for the franchise last year.

The owner said he's happy with the dual role of general manager and head coach for Doc Rivers, telling Markazi he even enlisted his Seattle neighbor, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, for advice on the matter.

"Make sure you know who you’re holding accountable for the sports franchise and then either back him or fire him," Ballmer quoted Carroll as saying.