Mavericks Stand Firm on MRI Protocol Amid Lakers Coach's Accusations
The Dallas Mavericks faced scrutiny regarding their handling of Austin Reaves' MRI after Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick accused them of scanning the wrong area. Redick claimed on Saturday that the Mavericks' mistake necessitated a second MRI, which ultimately revealed a Grade 2 left oblique strain for Reaves. This injury, incurred during the Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, will sideline him for four to six weeks, complicating the Lakers' playoff aspirations, especially with Luka Dončić also likely out for the remainder of the regular season due to a hamstring strain. In response to the accusations, the Mavericks issued a statement on Tuesday, asserting, "Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time. There was no error in the scan performed." Redick had previously emphasized that the Lakers communicated their requirements clearly, stating, "I don't know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area. So (the mistake was) not on our end." Despite not retracting his comments, Redick softened his tone later, expressing gratitude for the eventual imaging results, stating, "In the end, we got the image we needed... and we're going to move on." With Reaves now ruled out for the season, the contention over the MRI process seems to have little bearing on the Lakers' current challenges. Whether or not the Mavericks made an error, the focus shifts to how both teams will adapt in light of their injuries.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-08