Cleveland Cavaliers Engage NBA on Potential Court Modifications | Report
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to engage with the NBA regarding potential modifications to the basketball court at Rocket Arena. This discussion arises after a concerning incident involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic during a recent game.
Court Structure Issues at Rocket Arena
Rocket Arena currently features a raised court, designed to accommodate the ice rink used by the Cleveland Monsters, a team in the American Hockey League. This unique setup has raised safety concerns among players.
Doncic faced a scare in the first quarter of the game against the Cavaliers on January 29, where the Lakers suffered a 129-99 defeat. After initially appearing injured, Doncic returned to the game, eventually scoring 29 points. He reflected on the incident, saying, “I kind of got scared. It wasn’t a great feeling.”
Increased Safety Concerns
The findings from Doncic’s situation have prompted discussions about player safety. Lakers coach JJ Redick labeled the court setting a “safety hazard.” This issue was spotlighted again after another incident involving Miami Heat guard Dru Smith, who injured his knee in a game against the Cavaliers on November 22, 2023.
- Luka Doncic Injury: Suffered potential injury on January 29.
- Dru Smith Injury: Knee injury occurred on November 22, 2023.
- Current Court Setup: Raised surface to accommodate ice rink for Cleveland Monsters.
The upcoming meetings between the Cavaliers and the NBA will focus on ensuring player safety and possibly restructuring the court to prevent future injuries. This response highlights the league’s commitment to maintaining a safe playing environment for athletes.
