Luka Doncic expressed concerns regarding the special NBA Cup court during a recent game at the Los Angeles Lakers’ arena. He described the surface as “slippery” and “dangerous,” urging the league to address these issues. Doncic’s comments came after a thrilling matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he scored 43 points, contributing significantly to a 135118 victory.
Doncic’s Performance and Team Dynamics
In the game, Doncic also recorded 13 assists and nine rebounds, narrowly missing his 10th career 40point tripledouble. He highlighted the Lakers’ unity, especially after teammate Jaxson Hayes defended him during an intense encounter with Kris Dunn. Doncic plans to cover Hayes’ fine resulting from a technical foul issued during the confrontation.
Concerns Over the NBA Cup Court
Doncic was vocal in his dissatisfaction with the court conditions, noting that players slipped frequently, making the surface potentially hazardous. He remarked, “Adjust the courts, please,” while appreciating the NBA Cup format that is currently in its third year. However, he questioned if the courts in other locations during group play exhibited similar slipperiness.
Historically, player feedback regarding these courts has been mixed. In 2023, Boston’s Jaylen Brown reported a groin injury sustained on the Toronto Raptors’ Cup court, indicating a trend of player concerns about court safety.
Late Game Confrontation
The matchup with the Clippers became heated in the fourth quarter when Dunn knocked Doncic to the ground. After a brief exchange, which included shoving, Dunn was ejected after receiving two technical fouls. Doncic noted that he appreciates the support from his teammates, saying, “Thanks for having my back,” reflecting the camaraderie within the team.
Lakers’ Success in the NBA Cup
The Lakers secured their place in the NBA Cup quarterfinals with this win, reflecting a strong performance thus far in the tournament. Doncic, who has experience from similar Cup competitions in Spain, expressed excitement about the opportunity, acknowledging the significance of advancing beyond the group stage.
The victory also results in a monetary reward for the Lakers, with Doncic humorously acknowledging the bonus he stood to gain from the win, given his substantial contract of $165 million.