The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a critical Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Thursday night, but their already thin bench just took another hit—and it’s a painful one for both the team and its fans.
Fan favorite Jarred Vanderbilt is officially listed as doubtful for tonight’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder after suffering a gruesome right pinky finger dislocation during Game 1 on Monday. The injury occurred late in the first half when Vanderbilt’s fingers slammed into the backboard while contesting an alley-oop attempt. The impact was severe enough to fully dislocate the pinky and break the skin—a sight that had even the Thunder bench recoiling.
On Wednesday’s off day, Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided an update that brought a sliver of optimism. “They were able to put his finger back together,” Redick told reporters, explaining that doctors stitched the wound and placed the finger in a splint. Vanderbilt is now considered day-to-day, but the immediate prognosis is cautious. “He’s obviously a tough-minded player and person,” Redick added. “Certainly the pain is involved. Basically, we’re making sure the tissue is healed enough to protect his skin barrier and the bone.”
The injury itself was as gruesome as they come. Vanderbilt was seen screaming and doubled over in pain as he walked off the court with just over five minutes left in the second quarter. Trainers covered his hand with a towel, but some camera angles revealed the bone protruding through the skin. The Thunder bench visibly moved out of the way when they caught a glimpse—a telling reaction that underscored the severity of the moment.
While Vanderbilt is unlikely to suit up for Game 2, the good news is that he appears to have avoided a fracture, which could have ended his postseason. The Lakers’ injury report also lists Luka Dončić (out with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Luke Kennard (questionable with neck soreness), making depth an even bigger concern as the team looks to even the series.
For Lakers fans, Vanderbilt’s grit and hustle have made him a beloved figure, and seeing him sidelined—especially in such a painful way—stings. But if there’s one thing we know about this team, it’s that they’ll be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, with or without their defensive spark plug on the floor.