Lakers Opt for Standard Court Over Slippery NBA Cup Surface

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs on their standard court for the NBA Cup quarterfinals on November 29, 2023. This decision comes after concerns about the alternative bright yellow court, which had been flagged for a slippery surface. According to ESPN, the court, provided by the NBA as a promotional tool for the tournament, was returned to the vendor for repairs and was not ready in time for the game.

The Lakers and the league made the choice to prioritize player safety, with a league source stating that the game will be played “out of an abundance of caution.” This move has been positively received by players. Luka Doncic, a star guard for the Mavericks, expressed gratitude, saying, “I really appreciate the Lakers and the league. They did us a favor by changing the court to help us stay healthy.”

As the NBA Cup enters its third year, players like Doncic find value in the tournament, drawing parallels to his experiences in Spain’s Copa del Rey. “I like the Cup a lot,” he added, highlighting its significance and excitement.

The outcome of the Lakers-Spurs matchup will determine which team advances to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of another quarterfinal game on the same day. The stakes are high, as both teams aim to secure a place in the next round of the tournament.

In addition to the court changes, the Lakers may be bolstered by the potential return of veteran guard Marcus Smart, who has missed the last six games due to back issues. Meanwhile, the Spurs are hopeful for the return of 7-foot-4 center Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined with a left calf strain since November 14.

As the excitement builds for the quarterfinals, both teams will look to make a strong impression in this pivotal stage of the NBA Cup, showcasing their talent and determination on the court.