Jarred Vanderbilt Returns One Week After Gruesome Finger Dislocation
jarred-vanderbilt-returns-after-finger-dislocation
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt was back on the court just seven days after dislocating his right pinky in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The injury occurred when Vanderbilt’s finger caught the backboard while he contested a shot, causing the bone to pierce the skin. Players on the Thunder bench reacted visibly to the graphic scene. Vanderbilt sat out Game 2 but dressed for Games 3 and 4, logging limited minutes in the Lakers’ season-ending 117-104 loss at Crypto.com Arena.
“I feel good,” Vanderbilt said postgame on May 11. “It’s been almost a week now, so I made some good progress and tried to do everything possible to get back out there for the team.”
Los Angeles was already without star guard Luka Doncic, heightening the need for Vanderbilt’s defensive presence. The 6-foot-9 forward spent much of the season shifting in and out of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation but consistently provided energy when called upon. That same approach guided his accelerated rehabilitation.
“It was one of those rare plays you don’t see every day, but the prognosis was about as favorable as it could be,” Vanderbilt explained. “We went through rehab this past week and I was able to play tonight.”
Offseason Note: Lakers Eye Marcus Smart
The Lakers may look to retain a similar hard-nosed mentality this summer. Veteran guard Marcus Smart holds a $5.39 million player option for 2026-27, and league sources indicate Los Angeles would pursue him if he declines that option and enters free agency.
Smart, like Vanderbilt, is valued for his defensive tenacity and locker-room leadership, traits the Lakers hope to emphasize after finishing the postseason in the second round.
Source: LakersNation.com
