Breakdown
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May 7, 2026
Ruled out Thursday
Vanderbilt (finger) has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder.
Analysis
Vanderbilt will miss Game 2 after exiting Tuesday's Game 1 loss in the second quarter due to a dislocated right finger. The forward is considered day-to-day, so a return for Saturday's Game 3 remains possible, though his absence could lead to increased opportunities off the bench for Jake LaRavia in the meantime.
May 6, 2026
Doubtful for Thursday
Vanderbilt (finger) is doubtful for Thursday's Western Conference Semifinals Game 2 against the Thunder, per Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com.
Analysis
Vanderbilt suffered a dislocated right finger during the second quarter of Tuesday's Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 loss to the Thunder. With Vanderbilt expected to miss Game 2 on Thursday, Jake LaRavia is an option for an expanded role.
May 6, 2026
Considered day-to-day
Vanderbilt is day-to-day with a dislocated right finger, per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times.
Analysis
Vanderbilt suffered the injury during the second quarter of Tuesday's Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 loss to the Thunder. It sounds like he has a chance to play through the issue going forward, so Vanderbilt can be tentatively viewed as questionable for Game 2 on Thursday in Oklahoma City.
May 6, 2026
Diagnosed with dislocated finger
Vanderbilt has been diagnosed with a full dislocation of his right pinky finger, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Vanderbilt exited Tuesday's Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 loss to the Thunder in the second quarter after hitting the backboard and injuring his finger. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game after exiting to the locker room and can be considered doubtful for Game 2 on Thursday until the Lakers offer an update on his status.
May 6, 2026
Won't return Tuesday
Vanderbilt (finger) has been ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder, Khobi Price of The California Post reports. He'll close with two points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one rebound across six minutes.
Analysis
Vanderbilt exited to the locker room in the second quarter due to a right finger injury and will remain sidelined for the remainder of Tuesday's contest. The forward's playing time has decreased of late, so his absence shouldn't create major ripple effects in the Lakers' rotation, though Jake LaRavia could see a slightly larger role off the bench. More updates will likely follow, but for now, Vanderbilt should be considered questionable for Game 2 on Thursday.
May 6, 2026
Leaves for locker room
Vanderbilt exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder due to an apparent right hand injury, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Vanderbilt attempted to contest a dunk but ended up hitting his right hand on the backboard. He appeared to be in a considerable amount of pain while heading back to the locker room and can be considered questionable to return until further notice.
May 2, 2026
Exits rotation in Game 6 win
Vanderbilt (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Friday in the Lakers' 98-78 win over the Rockets in Game 6 of the first-round playoff series.
Analysis
Lakers head coach JJ Redick utilized an eight-man rotation while Friday's contest was still competitive, and Vanderbilt ended up losing hold of his spot on the second unit while Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes operated as the team's main reserves. The Lakers could eventually get Luka Doncic (hamstring) back at some point during their Western Conference Semifinals series versus the Thunder, and Vanderbilt will face an even tougher path to regaining playing time once Los Angeles is at full strength. Before failing to get off the bench Friday, Vanderbilt had appeared in 11 straight games dating back to the regular season and averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 14.3 minutes.
