Mavericks Refute Lakers Coach's Claim of Botched Reaves Injury Exam

Dallas denies JJ Redick's allegation of incorrect initial MRI on Austin Reaves' injury.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract composition.Rival NBA teams scrutinize each other's medical practices as they compete for every possible advantage.Dallas Today

The Dallas Mavericks have rejected Lakers coach JJ Redick's assertion that their medical staff initially conducted an MRI on the wrong part of Austin Reaves' body, leading to a second scan and a delayed diagnosis of his oblique injury.

Why it matters

Accurate medical assessments are critical for player health and team strategy, so any perceived mistakes or miscommunications between rival organizations can raise concerns about transparency and trust between NBA franchises.

The details

According to the Mavericks, their medical team properly examined Reaves and did not make any errors in their initial MRI or diagnosis. The team maintains that the standard protocols were followed, and they dispute Redick's public claim about an incorrect initial test.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026.

The players

JJ Redick

A former NBA player who is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Austin Reaves

A player for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered an oblique injury.

Dallas Mavericks

The professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“We followed all standard protocols in examining Austin Reaves and categorically deny any suggestion of an incorrect initial MRI.”

— Dallas Mavericks, Organization Statement

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the high stakes and intense rivalries in the NBA, where teams closely scrutinize each other's medical practices and player injury information in the pursuit of competitive advantages.