The Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA are set to discuss potential changes to the basketball court layout at Rocket Arena following a recent incident involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic. Reports indicate that the current court design, which is elevated to accommodate the ice rink for the Cleveland Monsters, has raised safety concerns.
During a game against the Cavaliers on Wednesday, January 28, Doncic suffered an injury early in the first quarter, an incident that initially seemed serious. Fortunately for the Lakers and their fans, he returned to the game shortly after limping to the locker room and went on to score an impressive 29 points, despite the trauma. Describing the moment, Doncic expressed relief, saying, “I kind of got scared… I think I got a little bit lucky.”
The mishap echoes a similar incident from November 22, 2023, when Miami Heat guard Dru Smith sustained a knee injury while playing against the Cavaliers, a situation that first raised concerns about the court’s safety. Lakers coach JJ Redick also slammed the current setup, labeling it a safety hazard.
As the discussion unfolds, it highlights the importance of player safety in sports, prompting the league to prioritize court conditions to prevent future injuries. The NBA’s attention to these matters aims to foster a safer environment for athletes, ensuring they can perform at their best without the looming threat of injury due to playing conditions.