NBA and Cavs Consider Court Redesign After Lakers’ Luka Doncic Injury
The NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to re-evaluate the unique design of their court following a recent injury incident involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić. This decision comes after Dončić faced a minor leg injury during a game against the Cavaliers.
Luka Dončić’s Injury Incident
On Wednesday, in a game where the Lakers lost 129-99 to the Cavaliers, Dončić briefly exited after falling off the elevated portion of the court. Fortunately, he returned before the first quarter ended but is now considered questionable for the upcoming game against the Washington Wizards due to lingering ankle soreness. Dončić expressed his concerns, stating, “It wasn’t a great feeling, and looking back at the video, I think I got a little bit lucky.”
Concerns Over Court Design
Cleveland’s court is unique in the NBA, standing approximately 10 inches above the surrounding area at Rocket Arena. This elevation stems from the court being built over an ice rink, creating potential safety hazards for players. Lakers head coach JJ Redick highlighted these risks, labeling the setup as “absolutely a safety hazard.”
Previous Incidents
- In November 2023, Miami Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending knee sprain due to the court’s height differential.
- Dončić’s injury incident has prompted both the NBA and the Cavaliers to reconsider floor safety measures.
The Future of Rocket Arena
With the history of injuries and the recent close call involving Dončić, significant changes may be on the horizon for Rocket Arena. A league spokesperson confirmed that improvements are being revisited, reflecting the urgency for enhanced player safety.
This latest incident may lead to a broader examination of court designs across the league, especially in light of the unique circumstances surrounding the Cavaliers’ playing environment.
