The Los Angeles Lakers have introduced a bold new court design for the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, which is different from traditional hardwood floors. Their home court now features a purple center surrounded by yellow, which is quite a change. There is also the inclusion of a trophy emblem at center court, a feature that is not even present in NBA Finals courts.
This major change in the court design has sparked a buzz among NBA fans. One fan praised the design, stating it’s a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, “Court Would Make Kobe Proud.”
The Lakers in-season tournament court 🤩
(via @Lakers)pic.twitter.com/zjgWiRVyEG
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 14, 2023
One fan calls it “Best court in the world.” Another added, “This court actually looks pretty sweet. Let’s see how it looks in action first lol.”
Surprisingly, the design has been described as potentially distracting, with some players expressing surprise at its brightness. Even though the new design is unquestionably eye-catching and is expected to draw more viewer attention.
The Lakers are 1-0 in NBA In-Season Tournament
The Lakers started their In-Season Tournament journey with a win, defeating the Phoenix Suns on the road. LeBron James led the scoring with an outstanding 32 points, whereas teammate Cam Reddish contributed significantly, especially from beyond the arc. Kevin Durant scored 38 points to lead the Suns but ultimately fell short.
Year 21 👑
Lakers start 1-0 in the NBA In-Season Tournament 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xK2IyNYlih
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2023
In Group A of the In-Season Tournament, the Lakers are in a strong position. They currently hold a positive point differential, trailing behind the Utah Jazz who lead the group. The Portland Trail Blazers another group contender are in third place. With the tournament structure favoring the top teams and wild cards from each group for the knockout stage, the Lakers are well within range to win Group A.
LeBron James says In-Season Tournament is more intense
The In-Season Tournament is a new addition to the NBA calendar aiming to increase excitement and competition into the early part of the season. LeBron James, following the Lakers’ first game in the tournament stated the increased intensity and energy levels among the crowd as well as on the court. He noted that the tournament games felt different from regular-season matches.
“It had a little bit more intensity to it,” James said. “I think the fans even brought a little bit more energy as well. I felt like some of the plays and some of the execution was at a higher level. Definitely felt a little different than a regular season game, for sure.”
LeBron goes reverse, gets the bucket and the foul!
🏆 NBA In-Season Tournament
🏀 West Group A action on ESPN pic.twitter.com/wMbe2wMQ3W— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2023
In-season tournament games are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays. The Lakers’ upcoming home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the first on their new court, will be interesting to watch.