The Los Angeles Lakers visited the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on Tuesday night for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals matchup.
The Lakers were the underdogs heading into the series due to the Thunder’s status as the best team in the NBA after the regular season. They are also the defending NBA champions, led by the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Luka Doncic‘s absence was also a big factor, with the Lakers relying on a 41-year-old LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Jarred Vanderbilt Suffers Hand Injury
GettyChet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks against Rui Hachimura #28 and Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Midway through the second quarter, Jarred Vanderbilt was taken out of the game and into the locker room after suffering a hand injury. Vanderbilt was in serious pain in front of the Thunder bench after a play.
According to The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi, trainers quickly tended to the Lakers forward, who was upset because of what happened. He had two points and one rebound in six minutes before exiting the game.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the injury happened during a chasedown block by Vanderbilt on Chet Holmgren. Vanderbilt tried to foil an alley-oop for Holmgren, but it seemed like he hit his hand on the backboard.
The Thunder bench’s reaction was also caught on video, with several players, including Jalen Williams and Jared McCain, turning their backs after seeing what happened to Vanderbilt’s hand.
Here’s the video of Thunder players reacting to the injury.
It’s a tough blow for the Lakers since Vanderbilt is one of their best defenders. They’re already down their best scorer, but now they might have to play the rest of Game 1, possibly the series, without a very good perimeter defender.
Who Steps Up For The Lakers?
GettyBronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to Dalton Knecht #4 during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Lakers would still have been at a disadvantage against the Thunder even if they had a healthy roster. With Luka Doncic already out and Jarred Vanderbilt possibly missing time due to his hand injury, who will step up for the Lakers?
Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura are already in the starting lineup, while Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard could get more minutes due to Vanderbilt’s injury.
Coach JJ Redick might need to look deeper on his bench if needed, with players like Bronny James, Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht available. Thiero could be a good bet to earn minutes since he’s the best defender among the trio.
According to SB Nation’s Silver Screen and Roll, Thiero had a really good defensive game against the Thunder on April 8. The Lakers lost that game, but Thiero had some impressive stops against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Thiero had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists in that game, though the Lakers lost 123-87.
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