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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during a game against the Boston Celtics in March 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers walked into Paycom Center perhaps knowing this was their chance to catch the defending NBA champions by surprise. 

L.A. surprised Oklahoma City alright, but not in a way any one could have predicted.

The Thunder, despite being rusty after an eight-day break, kept the Lakers at bay the entire night.  

LeBron James and Marcus Smart, the veteran leaders, came to play and tried doing everything in their power to keep their team afloat. 

The Lakers trailed by eight at halftime and came out with low energy in the third quarter, allowing the Thunder to slowly pull away with their endless depth and explosive transition game. 

But L.A. was already stunned going into halftime.

Forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome injury while attempting to block a transition alley-oop. Replay showed Vanderbilt’s fingers harshly slamming the backboard.

Vanderbilt was rushed to the locker room and ruled out for the game. Later, it was announced the Lakers forward suffered a dislocated pinky finger.

Los Angeles Lakers Forward’s Injury Stuns Thunder Bench

It started with the Thunder doing what the Thunder do best. After DeAndre Ayton had his shot blocked, an Oklahoma City fast break was triggered. 

The Thunder sprinted out on the fast break, leading to Chet Holmgren converting an alley-oop. 

It was at that moment Vanderbilt smashed his fingers on the backboard. 

He immediately writhed in pain. And the Thunder bench took notice, reacting so strongly, so visibly that it was quickly clear a terrible injury had just taken place.

The Thunder’s reaction to Jarred Vanderbilt’s hand injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/k9qHwGXyh7

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 6, 2026

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after the game that Vanderbilt was in good spirits even though he was emotionally shaken. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Lakers have not provided a timeline on Vanderbilt’s injury.

L.A. Hit With More Adversity

Already dealing with an injury to Luka Doncic, the ailing Lakers took another hit in the Game 1 loss.

Vanderbilt is not a player the Lakers rely on for offense or even simple spot up shooting; his suffocating perimeter defense and hustle is what makes him a valuable piece. 

Especially with the Lakers up against the Thunder, one of the toughest, most physical teams in the Association, losing Vanderbilt is a big blow. 

Playing against MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Lakers need all the perimeter defense they can get.

Vanderbilt has struggled to stay on the court since joining the Lakers in 2023. He’s been effective when available, though his impact is rarely reflected in the box score.

It remains to be seen how long Vanderbilt will be sidelined. It sure seems the possibility he misses the rest of the semifinals is on the table.

L.A. played well in spurts in Game 1, but it made too many mistakes at crucial points. Those missteps allowed Oklahoma City to feat and eventually build a 19 point advantage.

Game 2 is right back in Oklahoma City. There were some positives to take away from Game 1 for the Lakers, but they have an enormous uphill climb if they want to merely grab the champs’ attention.