Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt sustained a severe right pinkie injury on Tuesday night during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred as Vanderbilt attempted to block a dunk by Thunder center Chet Holmgren, striking his finger on the backboard. The incident, described as "gruesome" by Thunder guard Jared McCain, forced Vanderbilt to leave the game, where he had played six minutes and scored two points. Coach JJ Redick called it a "freak injury," noting Vanderbilt's audible screams. The Lakers' rotation was reduced to eight players due to the injury, and they ultimately lost the game 108-90.