The Los Angeles Lakers lost their veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt amid the team’s Game 1 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
As the fourth quarter was in the final minutes, ESPN’s Shams Charania updated Vanderbilt’s injury with the announcement of an official diagnosis.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger in a gruesome injury tonight, sources tell ESPN.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sits next to Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on November 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Vanderbilt suffered the injury early on when he was attempting to block a shot in the paint. As Vanderbilt missed the ball, he hit his hand on the backboard.
It was immediately clear that Vanderbilt would have to leave the game, as he was visibly in a lot of pain.
The Lakers ruled the 27-year-old out for the remainder of the game, as he underwent testing to reach an official diagnosis.
The Lakers Drop Game 1 vs Thunder
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The night started bad for the Lakers when they lost Vanderbilt. He checked in off the bench for just six minutes before his night concluded.
Vanderbilt produced two points on 1-2 shooting from the field. He also had one rebound before he checked out.
The Thunder came away with a comfortable victory in their first action of the second round. Chet Holmgren led the way with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks on the defensive end.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each contributed 18 points.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James checked in for 36 minutes. He shot 12-17 from the field, and made 3-6 of his shots from three. He also produced six assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
The star sharpshooter, Austin Reaves, struggled by shooting just 3-16 from the field. Reaves went scoreless from three, shooting 0-5.
Overall, it was a tough night for the Lakers. They went down 0-1 in the series with a 108-90 loss. Now, the Lakers will look ahead to Thursday night, May 7, for Game 2.