NBA legend Magic Johnson has admitted that he is pleased to see Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling banned for life following racist remarks.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced yesterday that the 80-year-old businessman has been fined and given a lifetime ban for making the comments in a conversation with girlfriend V Stiviano.

Sterling was heard in a recording released by TMZ telling his other half in an argument that he does not want her to bring black people to games at the Staples Center after she was pictured with Johnson.

Following the NBA's ruling, Johnson told reporters that it was a "great day for the United States," according to The AP.

Johnson, who won five titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, denied this week that he has plans to buy the Clippers following the racism scandal.