Austin Reaves MRI Mix Up Lakers Blame Mavericks

Los Angeles coach JJ Redick says the Dallas Mavericks scanned the wrong area after Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique injury, forcing a second MRI. The Mavericks pushed back, saying, "Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time." The disagreement clouds Reaves' diagnosis and the Lakers’ timeline for his return. Merlin senses more than a medical hiccup. A missed scan can delay proper rehab for an oblique that often takes weeks to heal, and the public spat puts team medical cooperation on thin ice. Expect clearer medical updates or a formal review soon as both sides try to protect the player and their reputations.