The Los Angeles Lakers received a positive update on Jarred Vanderbilt just days after the forward suffered a painful finger injury during the Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinky finger in Game 1 when his hand hit the backboard during a block attempt against Thunder big man Chet Holmgren. The injury forced Vanderbilt to miss multiple games as the Lakers fell behind 3-0 in the series.
Now, with Los Angeles facing elimination after Saturday’s Game 3 loss, Vanderbilt appears to be progressing quickly. California Post reporter Khobi Price shared a video from practice showing Vanderbilt back on the court, taking free throws.
“Jarred Vanderbilt shooting free throws at practice, just five days after his gruesome pinky injury to his non-shooting (right) hand,” Price wrote on X.
Los Angeles Lakers Clear Jarred Vanderbilt After Finger Injury
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt
Los Angeles had initially been cautious with Jarred Vanderbilt after he dislocated the pinky on his non-shooting hand during the series opener against Oklahoma City.
The injury occurred while Vanderbilt attempted to contest Holmgren near the rim. His hand collided awkwardly with the backboard, forcing him to exit the game.
Even after being cleared, the Lakers will closely monitor Vanderbilt’s workload.
Vanderbilt’s return was viewed as important for a Lakers team struggling to contain Oklahoma City’s depth and athleticism. The Thunder entered Game 3 already holding a 2-0 series lead behind strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and the rest of their balanced rotation.
The Lakers have relied heavily on Vanderbilt throughout the season as one of their top perimeter defenders and energy players off the bench.
However, even with Vanderbilt back in the lineup, they have to win 4 games straight.
JJ Redick Praises Oklahoma City Thunder Depth After Game 3
Following the Game 3 loss, Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the challenge of trying to match Oklahoma City’s versatility throughout the series.
“In the third straight game, we’re right there after two-and-a-half quarters, and we tried different lineups, tried different coverages, still lost those minutes again,” Redick said. “We’ve gotta get better.”
Despite the deficit, Redick said the Lakers are not conceding the series.
“But I’m not giving up on the series, and we’re gonna go try to win on Monday,” Redick said. “We’re gonna try to extend the series, and we’re gonna try to take this thing back to OKC.”
The Thunder have repeatedly pulled away from Los Angeles in the second halves of the series, using their depth and defensive pressure to wear down the Lakers.
Redick credited Oklahoma City’s roster flexibility after Game 3.
“This team, in-game, because of their personnel can just adjust like that,” Redick said. “They need shooting on the floor, great. They need multiple wing defenders on the floor, great. They need two bigs on the floor, great.”
The Lakers continue playing without Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered on April 2. His absence has placed additional pressure on LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and the rest of the roster throughout the series.
Los Angeles managed to stay competitive for stretches again Saturday before Oklahoma City pulled away late behind another dominant second half.
Now facing elimination heading into Monday’s Game 4, the Lakers hope Vanderbilt’s improving health can provide another defensive boost as they attempt to avoid a sweep against the defending NBA champions.
Lakers Get Good News on Jarred Vanderbilt Injury Ahead of Game 4