Lakers Modify Court After Player Concerns
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Following concerns expressed by Luka Doncic about the slippery surface of the NBA Cup special court, the Lakers opted to use their traditional court for their 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. The bright yellow court of the NBA Cup was examined by technicians from the league’s court provider and was deemed unfit to play on Friday, according to the team. The provider is expected to make repairs to the court and have it available when the Lakers host a NBA Cup quarterfinal game at the Crypto.com Arena against the San Antonio Spurs on December 10th.The spokesperson added that, in consultation with the Lakers, areas of the NBA Cup court were identified that required additional refinishing, so the team will use its standard home court for tonight’s game. The NBA Cup court is being refinished and will be ready for use in the quarterfinals if they host.“Player safety is our top priority,” said a league spokesperson.
After Tuesday’s victory, Doncic went on to call the court “dangerous” to play on.“That was bad,” Rui Hachimura said on Friday when asked about the playing surface in the Lakers’ 135-118 victory over the LA Clippers. “I felt it immediately when I was warming up. It felt weird. Like oily, slippery. Everyone was on the floor, literally.”
