LOS ANGELES — A judge has refused Shelly Sterling’s request for an injunction against husband Donald Sterling and his lawyers in their dispute over the planned sale of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Shelly Sterling’s attorneys filed a petition Thursday alleging threats by Donald Sterling and his counsel, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas ruled in writing that the statements cited in the petition did not “rise to the level of great and irreparable injury.”

The judge also commented that the case may involve “high emotions and some litigation posturing” and he asked all parties to tone down their pretrial communications.

A trial next month will look into assertions that Donald Sterling is mentally incapacitated, leaving Shelly Sterling with sole authority to sell the Clippers.