Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome hand injury during Tuesday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving players on both teams visibly distressed. The incident occurred when Vanderbilt attempted to block a shot from Thunder star Chet Holmgren, resulting in a dislocated pinky finger that caused him to scream out in pain.
Injury Details and Reaction
Lakers coach JJ Redick described the scene: 'I had to go check on him because it just looked bad. I mean, he was audibly screaming, and you knew he had done something.' After the 'freak injury,' Vanderbilt was seen doubled over in front of Oklahoma City's bench. When players glimpsed his finger, with bone protruding through the skin, they turned away in horror.
ESPN reported that Vanderbilt required stitches due to the dislocation breaking through his skin. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game and was later seen in the locker room with a bandage on his finger.
Impact on the Lakers
The Lakers lost the game 108-90. Redick noted Vanderbilt was 'in as good of spirits as you can be in this situation, obviously frustrated with what happened.' Teammate LeBron James added, 'He's tough as nails. If Vando was in pain, then something actually really happened. So, it sucks.'
While dislocations typically do not result in extended missed time, the bone breaking through skin could lead to a longer absence. Vanderbilt is not a top producer for the Lakers, but his injury compounds issues for Los Angeles, who are already without star Luka Doncic due to a hamstring strain and recently saw guard Austin Reaves return from an oblique strain.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers face a crucial Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the defending champion Thunder on Thursday, needing to be at their best to level the series.
