Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has raised serious concerns about player safety following his experience with the specialized court used for the NBA Cup tournament at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Player Safety at Risk
The basketball phenom didn't hold back when describing the playing surface, labeling it as both slippery and dangerous during games. Doncic emphasized that he slipped multiple times during the match and observed several other players experiencing similar issues on the court.
"Adjust the courts, please. 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," Doncic stated bluntly in his post-game comments on November 27, 2025.
NBA Cup Court Conditions Under Scrutiny
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the specialized courts used exclusively for the NBA Cup tournament. Unlike regular season games that use standard flooring, the NBA Cup features uniquely designed courts that have drawn mixed reactions from players throughout the competition.
Doncic's comments came after the Mavericks' game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, where the custom court design appeared to present unexpected challenges for players attempting quick cuts and changes of direction.
Growing Concerns About Tournament Conditions
This isn't the first time players have voiced concerns about tournament conditions, but Doncic's prominent status in the league gives the issue increased visibility. As one of the NBA's brightest stars, his criticism carries significant weight and could prompt league officials to reevaluate court safety protocols.
The timing of these complaints is particularly noteworthy as the NBA Cup tournament progresses toward its conclusion. With player safety becoming an increasingly important topic across professional sports, Doncic's straightforward assessment puts pressure on league organizers to address these concerns promptly.
Multiple players were observed losing their footing throughout the game, raising questions about whether the specialized court designs might be compromising player safety in favor of visual appeal for the tournament.
