UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers will compete on their traditional court against the Dallas Mavericks this evening, December 8, 2023, after league technicians deemed the alternate NBA Cup court unplayable. This urgent decision comes just hours before the highly anticipated matchup, with team sources confirming the change.
Earlier today, multiple Lakers players expressed concerns about the alternate court’s poor condition, describing it as “slippery” and “dangerous.” Luka Doncic voiced his frustrations following a previous game, 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.”
In a morning shootaround, Rui Hachimura echoed these sentiments, 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.” The Lakers are expected to repair the Cup court for future use, including potential quarterfinals scheduled for December 9 or 10.
This urgent shift highlights the immediate need for player safety as the Lakers conclude their NBA Cup group play against the Mavericks. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the traditional court will impact the game dynamics tonight.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the Lakers’ journey in the NBA Cup. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the upcoming quarterfinals.
