Tensions briefly flared between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks this week after JJ Redick publicly questioned how Austin Reaves was handled medically during a recent road trip.
The situation centers around an MRI performed by the Mavericks’ medical staff, which Redick initially suggested was done incorrectly. But Dallas wasted no time responding.
“Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time,” the Mavericks said in a statement. “There was no error in the scan performed.”
The disagreement comes at a tough time for Los Angeles, with Reaves diagnosed with a Grade two left oblique strain, an injury expected to sideline him for several weeks, according to Shams Charania.
Redick first raised concerns following a Lakers practice in Dallas, questioning how the initial imaging process unfolded.
“I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area,” Redick said. “So [the mistake was] not on our end. We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned, but they scanned the wrong area.”
The Lakers ultimately required a second MRI to confirm the injury, adding to the confusion surrounding the process.
However, Redick later softened his stance after the Lakers’ heavy loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, acknowledging that the situation had been resolved.
“In the end, we got the image we needed,” Redick said. “And 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.”
Despite the back-and-forth, both sides appear ready to put the situation behind them. A Lakers spokesperson declined further comment, and no additional action is expected from either organization.
Reaves originally suffered the injury during a blowout loss to the Thunder, managing to finish the game with a team-high fifteen points before the issue was fully diagnosed.
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