Luka Dončić voices safety concerns over NBA Cup’s bright yellow court at Crypto.com Arena, calling it slippery and dangerous
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 27, 2025, 07:34 IST
Luka Dončić criticized the special NBA Cup court at Crypto.com Arena, calling it “slippery” and unsafe, noting footing issues even during warmups. This isn’t his first complaint about Cup courts, which have caused injuries in past seasons. Experts suggest condensation from a prior NHL game may have contributed. Despite this, Dončić tallied 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds in the Lakers’ 135-118 victory.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić expressed his concern over the special NBA Cup court, calling it “slippery”.
Following the Lakers' 135- 118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers atCrypto.comArena on Tuesday night, the Slovenian star said the special bright yellow court used for the game didn't have ga ood grip and was unsafe to play on. He also said that even before the game started, he could already tell there was going to be trouble with footing. This isn’t the first time Doncic has raised his concerns about the NBA Cup floor. Previously, while playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the inaugural season of the NBA Cup, he faced similar issues and described the floor to be slippery.
“Adjust the courts, please,” Doncic said post-match. “It’s just slippery. It’s dangerous. ... I slipped a lot of times. You could see a lot of players slipped. That’s dangerous, man.”
During the 2023 NBA Cup, several players like Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Haliburton had complaints regarding the slippery courts and commented on the risks involved while playing on unworn hardwood. And the problem with the court seemed to be addressed last season, since 2024 did not have many complaints regarding playability.
Kevin Price, sales manager at Robbins Sports Surfaces, which supplies basketball courts for several events, including the NBA tournaments, said the slippery condition at Crypto.com Arena may be because of the leftover moisture from the previous night's NHL game.
Even Lakers coach JJ Redick passed a similar comment on the slippery floor surface.“Sometimes courts just don’t dry well when there’s condensation on it,” Redick said.
However, Doncic had a great game; he had 43 points,13 assists, and nine rebounds in his 38 minutes of action on Tuesday night's game.
Following the Lakers' 135- 118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers atCrypto.comArena on Tuesday night, the Slovenian star said the special bright yellow court used for the game didn't have ga ood grip and was unsafe to play on. He also said that even before the game started, he could already tell there was going to be trouble with footing. This isn’t the first time Doncic has raised his concerns about the NBA Cup floor. Previously, while playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the inaugural season of the NBA Cup, he faced similar issues and described the floor to be slippery.
“Adjust the courts, please,” Doncic said post-match. “It’s just slippery. It’s dangerous. ... I slipped a lot of times. You could see a lot of players slipped. That’s dangerous, man.”
During the 2023 NBA Cup, several players like Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Haliburton had complaints regarding the slippery courts and commented on the risks involved while playing on unworn hardwood. And the problem with the court seemed to be addressed last season, since 2024 did not have many complaints regarding playability.
Kevin Price, sales manager at Robbins Sports Surfaces, which supplies basketball courts for several events, including the NBA tournaments, said the slippery condition at Crypto.com Arena may be because of the leftover moisture from the previous night's NHL game.
Even Lakers coach JJ Redick passed a similar comment on the slippery floor surface.“Sometimes courts just don’t dry well when there’s condensation on it,” Redick said.
However, Doncic had a great game; he had 43 points,13 assists, and nine rebounds in his 38 minutes of action on Tuesday night's game.