'Shark Tank's' Kevin O'Leary -- Donald Sterling Is a Business Genius!!!

He may be a racist ... and an ahole ... but when it comes to dollars and cents, disgraced Clippers owner Donald Sterling is a LEGEND in the investment community ... so says "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary.

Mr. Wonderful was out in L.A. last night when we asked about the risks of investing in pro sports franchises ... and that's when the financial genius brought up Sterling.

"I think sports teams are based on losing money while you own them and hoping somebody else pays a lot more later. That has certainly been the truth. I mean the Sterling situation really accentuates that."

He continued, "[Sterling] put $12 million in play and now [the Clippers are] worth $2 billion? Very. Smart. Man."