Jarred Vanderbilt suffers full right pinky dislocation in Lakers’ Game 1 loss
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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt exited Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder after dislocating his right pinky finger on May 5, 2026.
The injury occurred in the second quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City when Vanderbilt’s right hand struck the backboard while he attempted to block a shot. Broadcast replays showed the bone piercing the skin, prompting team trainers to cover the hand with a towel as they escorted him to the locker room.
Shortly after the incident, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Vanderbilt sustained a “full dislocation” of the right pinky. The sequence was replayed only once on television because of its graphic nature, and several Thunder players turned away as Vanderbilt walked past their bench.
Head coach JJ Redick said he spoke with Vanderbilt after the game. “He’s in as good spirits as you can be in this situation, obviously frustrated with what happened,” Redick told reporters. “It was a freak injury.”
Redick had inserted Vanderbilt into the lineup to inject energy against the defending champions, who are heavy favorites in the series. Without him—and already missing superstar Luka Dončić—the Lakers fell 108-90 and trail the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Redick indicated the team may adjust its rotation for Game 2. Reserves Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes have seen regular postseason minutes, while options such as Bronny James, Adou Thiero and veteran Maxi Kleber remain available.
Source: Lakers Nation
