Luka Dončić Suffers Scare on Cleveland's Raised Court in First Quarter Exit
CLEVELAND - A tense moment unfolded early in Wednesday night’s game when Lakers star Luka Dončić went down awkwardly after attempting a fading three-pointer near the sideline. The play looked routine-until it wasn’t.
As Dončić released the shot in front of the Lakers' bench, he hopped backward and stepped into the gap between the raised court and the arena floor at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. His left foot slipped, and he fell off the court, landing hard and immediately grabbing at his lower left leg.
He stayed down for a while, clearly in discomfort, before limping toward the locker room without putting much weight on that leg. The good news for Lakers fans: Dončić returned to the bench not long after, though he didn’t re-enter the game right away.
This isn’t the first time Cleveland’s unique court setup has raised eyebrows. The Cavaliers are the only team in the NBA with a raised court-a design where the hardwood sits slightly above the surrounding arena floor. That difference in elevation, just a few inches, can create a dangerous landing zone for players operating near the sidelines.
In fact, there’s recent precedent. Back in 2023, Miami Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a right knee injury-later diagnosed as a Grade 3 ACL sprain-after a similar fall in Cleveland.
Smith’s injury occurred while contesting a three-point shot, and like Dončić, he got caught in the gap between the court and the floor. The Heat reportedly reached out to the league with safety concerns following the incident.
Dončić’s fall reignites questions about whether this court design poses an unnecessary risk in a league where player safety is paramount. The raised surface may offer a distinctive look, but when elite athletes are flying full speed toward the sideline, even a few inches can make a big difference.
For now, the Lakers will be holding their breath as they evaluate Dončić’s condition. He’s the engine of their offense and one of the most dynamic players in the league. Any extended absence would be a major blow-not just for Los Angeles, but for fans around the league.
We’ll keep an eye on updates from the team, but one thing’s clear: this wasn’t just a bad step-it was a reminder that even the court itself can be part of the story.