Lakers Opt for Standard Court in NBA Cup Quarterfinal
The Los Angeles Lakers have opted for their standard court for the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs. This decision comes in light of concerns regarding the specialized Cup court used earlier in the tournament.
Lakers’ Decision for Standard Court in NBA Cup Quarterfinals
The Lakers will face off against the Spurs on Wednesday, using their traditional home court instead of the bright yellow alternative typically designated for the NBA Cup. This move follows complaints from players about the slippery nature of the Cup’s specialized surface, which was criticized by star Luka Doncic as “dangerous.”
Background on the Court Issues
- The specialized Cup court was designed as a promotional tool by the NBA.
- It was returned to the vendor for repairs after concerns were raised.
- The court was not ready in time for the upcoming quarterfinal game.
A league source indicated that playing on the standard court was decided “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure player safety. In a prior encounter on November 25 against the LA Clippers, the court drew significant criticism for its condition.
Overall Reception of the NBA Cup
“I like it a lot,” Doncic stated regarding the tournament. He expressed his gratitude towards the Lakers and the league for addressing the court concerns. “They did us a favor. I really appreciate both of them, just changing the court and giving us a chance to stay healthy.”
Upcoming Games
On Wednesday, the winner of the Lakers-Spurs matchup will advance to the semifinals. They will face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Phoenix Suns game, which will also take place on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
