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Lakers Player Suffers Gruesome Pinkie Injury After Getting Caught on Backboard
TL;DR
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his pinkie finger during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals after it got caught on the backboard. The injury was severe enough to shock both his teammates and opponents.
Key points
- Jarred Vanderbilt plays for the Los Angeles Lakers
- He suffered a dislocated pinkie finger
- The injury happened during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals
- Other players were visibly shocked by the injury
- The incident involved the backboard
Los Angeles LakersJarred VanderbiltWestern Conference semifinalsOklahoma City Thunder
Jarred Vanderbilt
Credit: @BleacherReport/X; AP Photo/Kyle Phillips
NEED TO KNOW
- Lakers player Jarred Vanderbilt was injured on Tuesday night
- The forward suffered a dislocated pinkie finger after getting it caught on the backboard
- Players turned away from the scene after catching glimpses of the gruesome aftermath
Oklahoma City Thunder players had to shield their eyes after Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome injury during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Vanderbilt, 27, dislocated his right pinkie finger after his hand got caught on the backboard during a play midway through the second quarter of the game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, May 5.
The former Kentucky star went up to try to block Chet Holmgren’s dunk but instead came down, doubled over as he held his hand.
“Vanderbilt is in a great deal of discomfort,” NBC’s Mike Tirico said.
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As the Houston native nearly collapsed to the ground, Thunder stars behind him, including Jalen Williams and Jared McCain, after apparently seeing too much.
Q&A
What happened to Jarred Vanderbilt during the game?
Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his pinkie finger after it got caught on the backboard.
How did other players react to Jarred Vanderbilt's injury?
Players from both teams turned away and shielded their eyes after witnessing the gruesome aftermath of the injury.
When did Jarred Vanderbilt's injury occur?
The injury occurred during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night.
