The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit with another injury setback. Backup forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a right hand injury on Tuesday during the Lakers’ conference semifinal game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Details of Vanderbilt’s Injury
The incident occurred with 5:51 left in the first half. Vanderbilt’s fingers swiped against the left side of the backboard as he tried to block a shot by Thunder centre Chet Holmgren. He immediately went down to the court, visibly distressed and grabbing his hand.
ESPN reported that Vanderbilt suffered a full dislocation of his right, pinky finger. The NBC broadcast described the injury as “gruesome”. The broadcast indicated that Lakers trainers had to cover the injury with a towel.
The Oklahoma City bench reacted visibly after getting a close look at Vanderbilt’s hand as he was being escorted off the floor. ESPN reported that Vanderbilt needed stitches because the bone in his dislocated finger had broken the skin.
Coach’s Reaction and Team Impact
Lakers coach JJ Redick spoke to reporters after the game. “I just talked to him,” Redick said. “He’s in as good of spirits as you can be in this situation, obviously frustrated with what happened.”
Redick also stated, “I went to go check on him (during the game) because it looked bad,” Redick said. “He was screaming and knew he had done something. We’re obviously disappointed that it happened. It’s just a freak injury.”
The Lakers ruled Vanderbilt out for the rest of the game following the injury. It is unclear how long this might keep him out. Vanderbilt is a left-handed shooter.
Lakers’ Existing Injury Concerns
Vanderbilt’s injury adds to the Lakers’ current injury woes. The team is already without All-Star guard Luka Dončić, who has a left hamstring strain. Austin Reaves only recently returned from an oblique injury.