Lakers Move On in NBA Cup as Luka Doncic Urges League to Fix Slippery Court
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The Los Angeles Lakers secured a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup knockout round on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena to finish group play 3-0. Guard Luka Doncic led all scorers with 43 points, nine rebounds and 13 assists while shooting 14-for-28 from the field.
Despite the victory, Doncic said postgame that the newly installed NBA Cup court was excessively slick and posed a safety risk. “It’s just slippery. It’s dangerous,” the All-Star guard told reporters, noting that he and several other players lost their footing throughout the night.
The league rolled out alternate floors for tournament games, and Tuesday marked the Lakers’ first contest on their custom design. Doncic attributed the problem to the glossy decals applied for the in-season event.
Coaching staff cites possible condensation
Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a different theory, suggesting moisture could have lingered after the NHL’s L.A. Kings played in the building the previous evening. “Sometimes courts just don’t dry well when there’s condensation on it,” Redick said, adding that the organization will review the issue before its next home game.
Los Angeles is scheduled to use the same surface again on Friday when it hosts the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic’s former team. A potential quarterfinal matchup could bring one more appearance on the contested floor.
Altercation sparks technical foul
Late in the fourth quarter, Kris Dunn shoved Doncic, sparking a brief confrontation. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes retaliated by pushing Dunn and was assessed a technical foul, a penalty that typically carries a fine. Doncic said he is willing to cover any league-imposed cost Hayes incurs for defending him.
The Lakers’ victory guarantees their place in the next stage of the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup, while league officials now face questions about player safety on the specialized courts.
Source: LakersNation.com
