The NBA has taken action following complaints from Luka Doncic and other players regarding the playing surface used during the in-season tournament games. According to league sources, the NBA consulted its official court vendor to inspect the issue raised after recent matches at Crypto.com Arena.
Technicians from the vendor examined the Lakers’ special in-season tournament court and concluded that the surface met the league's official standards. However, in response to concerns about traction and player safety, adjustments were reportedly made to the maintenance routine, including additional cleaning and refinishing steps before future games.
Doncic had previously voiced his discomfort with the court’s condition during postgame interviews, suggesting that the surface felt slippery and inconsistent compared to regular-season courts. His comments sparked discussions across the league about whether the special Cup designs affected gameplay safety or performance.
“It was a little slippery in some spots,” Doncic said. “Hopefully, they can fix it before the next game.”
In a brief statement, the NBA acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that court quality and player safety would remain top priorities. League representatives emphasized that all Cup courts were certified before use and that continuous evaluations would ensure optimal playing conditions for all teams.
“Our court partners have validated that all surfaces meet league specifications,” the NBA noted. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest safety standards.”
The league reportedly issued updated maintenance guidelines to venues hosting tournament games. These include detailed procedures for surface inspection, humidity control, and enhanced monitoring during and after games to prevent similar complaints.
Author’s Summary: The NBA addressed Luka Doncic’s concerns over the Lakers’ Cup court by inspecting and adjusting maintenance protocols while affirming all courts meet safety standards.