Injuries have headlined the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 campaign thus far.
The franchise’s big three (Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves) have yet to find a rhythm on the hardwood due to persistent injuries. On Wednesday, Doncic suffered an injury scare vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers and was forced to head for the locker room.
Fans didn’t hesitate to point out that Cleveland is to blame for the six-time All-Star’s setback.
“Y’all really need to fix the floor, Cavaliers,” one fan wrote. “Pro athletes can’t get hurt because of a design flaw.”
“Dru Smith for the (Miami) Heat tore his Achilles last year on that court,” another fan wrote. “It’s trash.”
Essentially, Doncic hopped on one leg for a few seconds after attempting a three-point jumper early in the ball game and landed awkwardly on the edge of the Cavaliers’ raised court.
On a typical NBA court (like Crypto.com Arena), Doncic wouldn’t have the same problem, leading many to conclude that the Cavaliers must make adjustments to protect the players.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Doncic not only returned to the Lakers’ bench but also re-entered the contest shortly after a brief injury evaluation. Still, the Cavaliers shouldn’t be off the hook, as Doncic is the latest example of how dangerous the Cavaliers’ court design is not for their team but the rest of the league.
Perhaps change will soon occur in Cleveland.
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