Lakers Remove ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court
The Los Angeles Lakers are eliminating their alternative court designed for the NBA Cup after concerns were raised by players regarding its safety. The league’s court vendor declared the surface unplayable for an upcoming match against the Dallas Mavericks.
Lakers Court Concerns Prompt Changes
Following a recent 135-118 victory over the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, Lakers players voiced strong dissatisfaction with the playing surface. The court, which was specifically crafted for the NBA’s in-season tournament, faced significant criticism from several athletes.
Player Reactions
- Rui Hachimura described the court as “bad” and noted distinct slippery conditions during warm-ups.
- Luka Doncic elaborated on the dangerous situation, stating that the surface felt oily and caused multiple slips during the game.
Despite these conditions, Doncic achieved an impressive performance, scoring 43 points while also contributing nine rebounds and 13 assists in just 38 minutes. He mentioned noticing the surface problems even before the game commenced.
Coaching Insights
Head coach JJ Redick pointed to potential drying issues with the court, attributing them to condensation left by an NHL game the previous night. He explained that such circumstances might lead to a court not being adequately prepared for basketball.
Lakers’ Performance in the NBA Cup
The Lakers are performing exceptionally well in the ongoing NBA Cup, currently holding a 3-0 record in group play. With a victory over the Mavericks, they will secure home-court advantage for the upcoming quarterfinals. If this occurs, the league plans to address the court’s safety issues and utilize the special hardwood for that game.
