“A safety hazard”: JJ Redick sounds alarm over arena safety after Luka Doncic’s injury in Lakers vs Cavs matchup | NBA News
LeBron James’ homecoming in Cleveland took an uneasy turn when Luka Doncic went down early, shifting attention from nostalgia to safety concerns inside Rocket Arena. The Lakers’ visit was meant to celebrate legacy. However, the night quickly became about player well-being after Doncic suffered a frightening fall near the court’s edge. As the arena grew quiet, questions followed about whether the playing surface itself played a role in the incident.The moment lingered even after play resumed. Doncic returned before the end of the first quarter. However, the concerns and questions still loomed. Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not hide his frustration postgame, directing focus toward an issue he believes demands urgent attention across the league.
JJ Redick calls out “safety hazard” after Luka Doncic injury raises serious concerns during Lakers vs Cavaliers clash
JJ Redick addressed the incident directly after the 129-99 loss, pointing to the elevated court design in Cleveland. “It is absolutely a safety hazard,” Redick said after the game, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His comments aligned with the growing concerns around Rocket Arena, the only NBA venue with a raised hardwood floor.Doncic was injured after drifting out of bounds on a three-point attempt and landing on uneven ground near the crowd. The Cavaliers share the building with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, and the ice beneath the court requires a separation layer that raises the floor. While the design improves sightlines, it also creates a sharp edge when players carry momentum beyond the boundary line.Other NBA teams share arenas with NHL franchises and use different solutions. That contrast has fueled debate about why Cleveland has yet to adjust its setup, especially after past injuries raised similar alarms.
What happened to Luka Doncic?
Doncic rolled his left ankle after his foot came down past the end of the court following a fadeaway jumper. He remained on the floor for several moments before limping to the locker room. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, he returned to the bench shortly after and re-entered the game with a little over a minute left in the first quarter.The Lakers’ star later led the team with 29 points, easing fears of a serious setback. He did miss roughly six minutes while his ankle was examined, a brief absence that still sent a chill through the Lakers’ bench during a crucial stretch of the road trip.Cleveland turned a tight first half into a runaway victory behind a dominant third quarter. The Cavaliers outscored Los Angeles 42-22 in the period, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 25 points and Jaylon Tyson’s 20. De’Andre Hunter added 19, while Jarrett Allen chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds.LeBron James finished with 11 points in his return to Cleveland and became emotional during a video tribute in the first quarter. The Cavaliers extended their winning streak to five, while the Lakers fell to 3-2 on the trip.
