The Cleveland Cavaliers are reviewing their court design after a close call involving Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers. During a recent game, Dončić briefly left the court with a leg injury after falling from the raised section of the floor.
A league spokesperson mentioned this incident has pushed the NBA and the Cavaliers to reevaluate the court’s safety. This raised floor is about 10 inches higher than the surrounding area at Rocket Arena, which is where the Cavaliers play. This setup is unique because the court sits above an ice rink, as the arena also hosts the Cleveland Monsters, an AHL team.
Lakers coach JJ Redick has voiced concerns, calling the height difference a “safety hazard.” This isn’t the first time such worries have emerged. In November 2023, Miami Heat player Dru Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury after a similar fall.
Dončić managed to finish the game but is now listed as questionable for the next match against the Washington Wizards due to ankle soreness. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It wasn’t a great feeling, and, looking back at the video, I think I got a little bit lucky.”
With rising concerns about player safety, changes to the court design could be on the horizon. The league is under increased pressure to ensure the safety of its athletes. Recent surveys show that 75% of players believe that injury prevention should be a top priority.
This situation highlights the ongoing discussion about athlete safety in sports. In light of recent events, it’s clear that the NBA may need to take a fresh look at how courts are designed, especially in environments that cater to multiple sports. For more on this topic, you can check out a related article from ESPN here.
As the situation unfolds, fans, players, and league officials will be closely watching for any changes that could improve safety in the game.
