UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers will play on their traditional court for tonight’s urgent NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. This decision comes after league technicians deemed the Lakers’ Cup court unplayable due to safety concerns.
This critical change was confirmed just hours ago, as team sources reported the alternate court was deemed “slippery” and hazardous during the Lakers’ last game on Tuesday against the Clippers. The Lakers triumphed in that game, but multiple players expressed concerns about the court’s condition.
The court is expected to undergo repairs and could be ready for the Lakers’ potential quarterfinals matchup on December 9 or December 10.
Star player Luka Doncic voiced his frustrations about the slippery surface, stating, “It’s just slippery. I slipped a lot of times and you could see a lot of players slipped. And that’s dangerous, man.” His comments highlight the immediate risks players faced on the Cup court.
Forward Rui Hachimura echoed these sentiments after morning shootaround, saying, “That was bad. I felt it right away. It just felt weird. Like oily, slippery. We’re going to do the normal court [tonight]. So, it will be fine.” His relief signals a return to safety for the players as they prepare for what promises to be an intense matchup.
The Lakers are concluding their NBA Cup group play against the Mavericks tonight, and this switch to the traditional court is critical for player safety and performance. With the stakes high, fans are eager to see how this adjustment impacts the game.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The implications of tonight’s game extend beyond just the court; it could define the Lakers’ journey in the ongoing tournament.
