The Los Angeles Lakers have some new injury concerns going into their Game 2 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
During the Wednesday afternoon Lakers availability, the veteran big man Jaxson Hayes addressed reporters. Before stepping away, Hayes was asked about Jarred Vanderbilt.
The outspoken center did not hold back.
Jaxson Hayes Speaks On Jarred Vanderbilt
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts after scoring and being fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
âDid you see the picture of his finger? It was disgusting. Bro, his whole bone was out of his skin,” Hayes told reporters. “Obviously, you never want to see one of your teammates go down, but that was gross.â
Jarred Vanderbilt was an expected name on the injury report on Wednesday. During the Game 1 matchup on the road in OKC, Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome pinky injury.
As Vanderbilt went up to contest a shot near the basket, he hit his hand on the backboard. The veteran forward was down in pain for some time before officially checking out of the game.
The Lakers did not see Vanderbilt return, and they landed a diagnosis before Game 1 concluded.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers wants a foul call against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger in a gruesome injury tonight, sources tell ESPN.
The Lakers surprisingly considered Vanderbilt as day-to-day on Wednesday, despite the injury sending shockwaves across the LA locker room due to how “gross” it was.
The official injury report lists Vanderbilt as doubtful, which is a strong indication he won’t play, but the veteran isn’t ruled out just yet.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after dunking the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
âI mean, he dislocated his finger, itâs not like he broke it. Itâs gross ⦠Iâve dislocated fingers. Iâm not saying that wasnât bad, that was definitely the worst dislocation Iâve ever seen in my life,” Hayes added. “Iâm just surprised.â
During the playoffs, Vanderbilt has appeared in six games. The veteran has seen the court for 12 minutes per game off the bench. He is posting averages of 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.
After the Lakers dropped Game 1, they are looking to bounce back on Thursday night for one more game in OKC, before the series goes to California.
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