LeBron James DEMANDS NBA investigate Cavaliers for endangering players’ safety

LeBron James worried about the Cavalier’s home court in a request to the NBA.

LeBron James DEMANDS NBA investigate Cavaliers for endangering players’ safety

LeBron James talks about return to Cleveland (Image via House of Highlights)

LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, is urging the NBA to address safety concerns related to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This happened after Miami Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending injury during a game against the Cavaliers on November 23.

The court in question is a multi-purpose arena shared with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). The court’s unique design features a 10-inch drop that separates the basketball court and the hockey ice below, which has been present throughout the Cavaliers’ 30 years of stay in the building.

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Furthermore, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra labels the court as “dangerous”. The Heat officially communicated their concerns to the NBA league but stopped short of filing an official complaint.

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Meanwhile, the Akron-born star said, when asked about the same:

The League should look into it. They should address it.

Despite the team’s familiarity with these conditions, the recent incident has prompted a broader discussion about potential modifications for enhanced player safety. As the league grapples with these concerns, attention turns to possible solutions, including the suggestion of replacing the thick blocks of wood between the court and the ice.

Dru Smith faces season-ending absence with Miami Heat due to knee injury

The Miami Heat faced another injury setback as it was revealed on Friday that guard Dru Smith will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Smith suffered a third-degree knee sprain during Wednesday’s triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dru Smith
Dru Smith (via NBA.com)

Smith, who was one of the backup point guards supporting Kyle Lowry, held averages of 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The injury occurred in the first half while he was contesting a shot in front of the Cavs’ bench, leading to an awkward landing and his subsequent transport to the locker room.

The injury to Smith occurred in the 2nd quarter of Miami’s 129-96 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. During a three-pointer attempt by Max Strus, Smith, aiming to defend the shot, leaped up and unfortunately had his support leg slide beneath the Cavs bench.

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