Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has been upgraded to available for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, the team announced.
Vanderbilt had initially been listed as questionable after dislocating his right pinky finger in Game 1, an injury severe enough that the bone pierced the skin when he struck the backboard while attempting a block. Head coach JJ Redick told reporters before tip-off that the medical staff “put the finger back together,” clearing the 27-year-old to return just two games after the incident.
Redick has used Vanderbilt sparingly this season, but the 6-foot-8 forward is expected to help contain Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Vanderbilt’s agility and physicality are viewed as critical assets, potentially allowing Marcus Smart to conserve energy on the defensive end.
In Vanderbilt’s absence, rookie Adou Thiero logged six minutes in Game 2 after Jake LaRavia struggled to provide consistent postseason minutes. Vanderbilt’s experience and defensive instincts are now expected to bolster a Lakers rotation that could tighten with the club trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Redick said Los Angeles must improve defensive rebounding and ball security—two areas that also drew emphasis during the first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets—if the Lakers hope to extend the series.
Source: LakersNation.com
