Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt day-to-day after finger injury in Game 1

The Lakers may have avoided the worst. Jarred Vanderbilt is day-to-day.

Coach JJ Redick said Wednesday that Vanderbilt suffered a dislocation of his right pinky finger during the Game 1 loss to the Thunder. His status for Game 2 on Thursday remains uncertain.

The injury happened early.

Vanderbilt went up to contest a shot at the rim and struck his right hand against the backboard. He immediately doubled over and grabbed his hand, clearly in pain.

Players on the Thunder bench reacted right away, and Vanderbilt needed help getting off the floor. He didn’t return.

Vanderbilt logged just six minutes, finishing with two points and one rebound before exiting. The Lakers were already short-handed, and losing one of their more active defenders only added to the challenge.

Vanderbilt’s role isn’t about scoring. It’s defense, energy, versatility. He’s one of the players Los Angeles leans on to handle tough assignments and bring activity on that end.

Through the season, he averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, but the impact goes beyond the box score.

Now it’s a quick turnaround.

Game 2 is Thursday night, and the Lakers are already trying to respond after a Game 1 loss. Vanderbilt’s availability will depend on how well he can manage the injury and function with the finger.