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A cubist interpretation of an NBA player’s injury highlights the complexities of medical evaluations in professional sports.Oklahoma City Today
The Los Angeles Lakers are awaiting the results of an MRI on guard Austin Reaves after he suffered an injury to his rib area during Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to former NBA player JJ Redick, the Dallas Mavericks, who the Lakers played prior to the Thunder game, originally scanned the wrong area when evaluating Reaves’ injury.
Why it matters
Reaves has been a key contributor for the Lakers this season, so any significant injury could impact the team’s playoff push. The confusion over the initial scan also raises questions about the medical evaluation process across the NBA.
The details
Reaves was injured during the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder on Thursday. The team is now awaiting the results of an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. According to Redick, the Mavericks had previously scanned the wrong area when examining Reaves, leading to the need for further evaluation.
Reaves was injured during the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, April 4, 2026.The Lakers are now awaiting the results of an MRI on Reaves’ injury.
The players
Austin Reaves
A guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered an injury to his rib area.
JJ Redick
A former NBA player who reported that the Dallas Mavericks originally scanned the wrong area when evaluating Reaves’ injury.
Los Angeles Lakers
The NBA team that Reaves plays for and is awaiting the results of his MRI.
Dallas Mavericks
The NBA team that originally scanned the wrong area when evaluating Reaves’ injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The NBA team the Lakers were playing when Reaves suffered his injury.
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What they’re saying
“The Mavericks originally scanned the wrong area when evaluating Reaves’ injury.”
— JJ Redick, Former NBA Player
What’s next
The Lakers are awaiting the results of Reaves’ MRI to determine the extent of his injury and a timeline for his return to play.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of accurate medical evaluations in professional sports, as well as the potential for miscommunication and mistakes between teams. The Lakers will need to carefully monitor Reaves’ recovery process to ensure he receives proper treatment and can return to the court as soon as possible.