Lakers' Redick Wants to Move On After Mavs Dispute MRI Claim

Redick previously said Dallas medical staff 'scanned the wrong area' on Austin Reaves' injury.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:34am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of muted blue, grey, and brown colors overlapping to create a sense of motion and multiple perspectives.A cubist interpretation of the tensions between NBA teams over player injury assessments and communication.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he just wants to move on after the Dallas Mavericks contradicted his claim that their medical staff incorrectly conducted an MRI on Lakers player Austin Reaves last weekend. The Mavericks issued a statement saying their 'medical team followed standard imaging protocols' and there was no error in the scan.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions that can arise between teams when dealing with player injuries, especially when they occur during away games. It also raises questions about transparency and communication between medical staffs across the league.

The details

Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain during the Lakers' blowout loss at Oklahoma City last Thursday. He was examined in Dallas, where the Lakers had subsequently traveled for their next game, by the Mavericks' medical team in a courtesy typically extended by home NBA teams to their visitors. At the Lakers' practice in Dallas on Saturday, Redick claimed the Mavs' medical team 'scanned the wrong area' and had to do two MRIs to identify Reaves' injury. However, the Mavericks issued a statement refuting Redick's claim, saying their 'medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time' and 'there was no error in the scan performed'.

  • Reaves was injured during the Lakers' loss at Oklahoma City on Thursday, April 4.
  • Redick made his claim about the Mavericks' medical staff at the Lakers' practice in Dallas on Saturday, April 6.
  • The Mavericks issued their statement contradicting Redick's claim on Tuesday, April 8.

The players

JJ Redick

Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Austin Reaves

Player for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

Luka Doncic

Star player for the Dallas Mavericks who also suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during the same game against the Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“Look, I think in the end, we got the image we needed. Obviously very appreciative, because it's happened throughout the season, whenever the home team is accommodating to us, just like we would be for them. And we're going to move on.”

— JJ Redick, Head coach, Los Angeles Lakers

“Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time. There was no error in the scan performed.”

— Dallas Mavericks

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges that can arise between teams when dealing with player injuries, especially when they occur during away games. It also raises questions about transparency and communication between medical staffs across the league, and the importance of maintaining professional relationships even when there are disagreements.