As if things could not get worse for the Los Angeles Lakers, Paycom Center has essentially become the team’s makeshift ER. In the same building where Luka Doncic strained his hamstring and Austin Reaves strained his oblique, defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt became the latest casualty.
As he went up for a block against Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, Vanderbilt’s right hand smacked the side of the backboard, resulting in a gruesome dislocated pinkie that left the opponent’s bench stunned. While he is reportedly considered day-to-day, the Lakers may need to call on two forwards in his absence.
Jarred Vanderbilt Injury Opens Door for 2 Lakers Wings
JJ Redick on Jarred Vanderbilt
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters about his postgame interaction with Vanderbilt:
“He’s in as good a spirit as you can be in this situation, obviously frustrated with what happened. … I went to go check on him, because it just looked bad. I mean, he was audibly screaming and knew he had done something. We’re obviously disappointed that that happened and it’s a freak injury.”
Vanderbilt played just six minutes prior to going down in Game 1, putting up two points and a rebound in the process. In six playoff games with an average of 12 minutes per contest, he’s put up 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds on 42.9% shooting from the field.
Vanderbilt has often been one of the Lakers’ better defenders, subbing in to challenge opposing stars or standout role players. With him out of commission and the Lakers’ bench depth already thin, expect an increased workload for the team’s starting frontcourt and several reserves.
Jake LaRavia Has Opportunity to Turn Season Around
Despite a polarizing regular season, the purple and gold may call on the hometown hero to help save the second unit. Jake LaRavia provides a similar skill set to Vanderbilt—a 6’7” wing with a sharp defensive mentality. The notable difference, however, lies in his offensive production, as he’s been a relatively efficient scorer throughout his career.
LaRavia became LA’s ironman this year, playing all 82 games and starting 43 of them. Averaging 25.1 minutes, the Pasadena native put up 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals on .459/.321/.763 splits. While his perimeter shot has slumped in both the regular season and playoffs, LaRavia has remained committed to his craft. He must find that rhythm soon to keep the Lakers’ season alive.
LaRavia’s struggles have overshadowed what could have been a breakout year for him. He now has a limited window to enter fans’ good graces, but some decent contributions would go a long way at this point.
All Rise for Adou Thiero?
Often forgotten on the Lakers’ bench is a 21-year-old rookie who has grown into a fan favorite. Adou Thiero was viewed by some as the younger version of Jarred Vanderbilt, filled with elite athleticism and a promising defense-first mentality.
Although he put up meager numbers in 25 regular-season games (1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds), Thiero has proven his worth with LA’s G League affiliate. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the now-former South Bay Lakers, shooting 62.5% from the field and 64.3% from deep on limited volume. Thiero was just as solid defensively, putting up 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game with his 7’0” wingspan and 41-inch vertical.
ADOU THIERO RISE UP 🤯
YOU MEAN TO TELL ME HE CAN’T GET JAKE LARAVIA’S MINUTES??? pic.twitter.com/gptY4U2HIq
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 27, 2026
While Redick may go with other options before landing on Thiero, there’s no denying the rookie deserves a fair shot. Considered one of the best athletes on the Lakers’ bench, Thiero could easily boost the team’s energy against an imposing Thunder squad, earning a well-deserved opportunity on a massive stage.
Game 2 between the Lakers and Thunder is Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. PT.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
