Sources with knowledge of the situation said that Elgin Baylor had been working without a contract since the early 1990s, having been told that one was not necessary.

Baylor is gearing up for a battle against the Clippers, hiring attorney Carl Douglas and employment law specialist Alvin Pittman.

"Elgin gave 22 years of his life to the Clippers, and it's regrettable they are trying to put him out to pasture in this way," Douglas said.

Douglas acknowledged that there "is a dispute over the circumstances of his [Baylor's] separation" with the Clippers. They are trying to get the matter resolved informally. If that doesn't happen, Douglas said they will "leave our options open."