Jarred Vanderbilt is out for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed Wednesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
The news comes a day after one of the more painful moments of the postseason so far. Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinkie finger during Game 1 on Tuesday night while trying to contest a dunk from Chet Holmgren, with his finger striking the backboard on the play. Photos and video from the moment appeared to show the joint breaking through the skin.
Vanderbilt bent over in pain near the basket as Lakers medical staff rushed out and wrapped the finger in a towel before walking him back to the locker room. Reports out of Paycom Center indicated workers inside the arena could hear him screaming while doctors treated the injury.
He finished the game with two points and a rebound in six minutes of action.
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Vanderbilt's Status and the Lakers' Injury Situation
Lakers coach JJ Redick said Wednesday that the medical staff managed to get the finger "back together" and listed Vanderbilt as day-to-day before the official ruling came down. How much time he'll ultimately miss remains unclear.
The timing stings for the Lakers. Oklahoma City dominated the second half of Game 1 and pulled away for a 108-90 win, extending the franchise's postseason winning streak to six straight dating back to last season's NBA Finals run. That ties a franchise playoff record.
Jarred Vanderbilt remains an important piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing physicality on the floor and a steady presence inside the locker room. His absence could force the team to adjust its rotation heading into the next matchup.
That likely opens the door for Jake LaRavia to handle a larger role after playing 14 minutes in Game 1. The Lakers may now lean more on his versatility and energy with minutes suddenly available.
The Lakers are also dealing with a longer injury list. Austin Reaves recently returned from an oblique issue but Luka Doncic remains out with a hamstring injury, and there's still no clear timetable on when he'll be back. Vanderbilt averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, and his absence only adds to what's becoming a difficult stretch for the Lakers.
Game 2 between Los Angeles and Oklahoma City Thunder is set for Thursday night in Oklahoma City.
