The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-finals matchup at the Paycom Center. The Lakers entered the series as underdogs against the Thunder, who finished the regular season as the top team in the NBA and are the defending NBA champions, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Lakers were already without Luka Doncic. The team is relying on LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Vanderbilt’s Hand Injury
Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a hand injury midway through the second quarter and was taken to the locker room. He was visibly in pain after a play near the Thunder bench. According to Joel Lorenzi, trainers quickly attended to Vanderbilt, who was upset.
Vanderbilt had two points and one rebound in six minutes before leaving the game. Dave McMenamin reported the injury happened when Vanderbilt attempted a chasedown block on Chet Holmgren, appearing to hit his hand on the backboard during an alley-oop attempt.
Video footage showed Thunder players, including Jalen Williams and Jared McCain, reacting to Vanderbilt’s injury. They turned their backs after seeing what happened to his hand.
Impact on the Lakers
Vanderbilt’s injury is a blow to the Lakers, as he is considered one of their best defenders. The Lakers are already missing Luka Doncic. The team might have to continue Game 1, and potentially the series, without a key perimeter defender.
Even with a healthy roster, the Lakers would have been at a disadvantage against the Thunder. With Luka Doncic out and Jarred Vanderbilt potentially sidelined, the Lakers will need other players to step up.
Potential Replacements
Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura are already in the starting lineup. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard could see increased minutes due to Vanderbilt’s injury. Coach JJ Redick may need to turn to players further down the bench, including Bronny James, Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht.
Thiero could be a candidate to receive more minutes, given his defensive abilities. According to Silver Screen and Roll, Thiero had a strong defensive performance against the Thunder on April 8, making some impressive stops against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In that game, Thiero recorded 10 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers are facing significant challenges with injuries to key players as they progress through the Western Conference semi-finals against a strong Thunder team.