Jarred Vanderbilt Injury Update: Lakers Make Announcement During Game 1

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 5, 2026 10:08 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a tough break in the first half of their Game 1 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Jarred Vanderbilt exited in the second quarter after hitting his hand on the backboard during a block attempt.

Vanderbilt immediately grabbed his right hand as he landed. He was clearly in a lot of pain as he walked off the court. Vanderbilt quickly headed to the locker room, wincing in pain and clutching his hand.

The bad news is that Vanderbilt will not be able to return. The Lakers announced before the start of the third quarter that the 6-foot-8 power forward has a right finger injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

This report comes via Lakers reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) warms up. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt is no star, but he has been a key piece of the Lakers' rotation this season. He played 65 games in the regular season, averaging 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per contest.

With Luka Doncic still sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the Lakers are considered significant underdogs against the No. 1 seed Thunder. Losing a key rotation piece in Vanderbilt is a considerable blow for the already shorthanded Lakers.

The Lakers put up a good fight in the first half. As of writing, they are down, 67-57, with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Lakers and the Thunder go at it again in Game 2 on Thursday. OKC will host that contest at Paycom Center before the series shifts to L.A. for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday, respectively.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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