Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt Sidelined Due To Pinkie Injury

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a horrific injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

After attempting a block on Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinkie after his hand got caught on the backboard midway through the second quarter. Holmgren made a dunk to put his team up 48-39.

The Lakers called for a timeout after they noticed Vanderbilt screaming in pain, bent over and holding his hand. The forward needed stitches postgame because the bone in his right pinkie broke skin. Vanderbilt exited the game after the timeout and was ruled out of returning.

“I had to go check on him because it just looked bad,” coach JJ Redick said postgame. “I mean, he was audibly screaming and you knew he had done something. So, we’re obviously disappointed that happened. It’s just a freak injury.”

“He’s tough as nails,” LeBron James remarked. “If Vando was in pain, then something actually really happened.” James scored 27 points on a 12-17 shooting performance Tuesday night.

Redick told the media that Vanderbilt was “in as good spirits as he can be” following his freak accident.

Vanderbilt’s injury further dents the Lakers’ playoff roster; phenom guard Luka Dončić remains inactive due to a hamstring injury. With these absences, the Lakers are in trouble in their series against the Thunder since they have a complete team on paper.

Oklahoma City cruised to victory in Game 1 despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having an “off-day.” Gilgeous-Alexander scored 18 points and recorded six assists in 35 minutes played.

Holmgren scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked three shots, while Vanderbilt scored two points and grabbed a rebound in six minutes played.

The University of Kentucky alum will miss Game 2 on Thursday and possibly the remainder of the playoffs.