Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt cleared to return Game 3 after gruesome finger injury

The Los Angeles Lakers rolled without Jarred Vanderbilt in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs. A freakish finger injury forced coach JJ Redick to pull off a surprise lineup change against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Vanderbilt’s Game 3 status will be far different, though.

Vanderbilt is cleared to play ahead of the home contest at Crypto Arena, the team announced Saturday evening.

Jarred Vanderbilt (right finger dislocation) has been cleared to play in tonight’s Game 3 against the Thunder, the Lakers announced. pic.twitter.com/CjYfJfrXFb

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 9, 2026

LA fell to 0-2 in taking the 125-107 defeat without Vanderbilt. His return will strengthen the Lakers on both ends of the floor off the bench.

Vanderbilt has played in only six total minutes during the second round of the postseason. He’s also scored just two points in dealing with his right finger dislocation.

He played sparingly against the Houston Rockets too during the first round. Although he still provided LA with a strong post option next to LeBron James and company. Vanderbilt collected 22 total rebounds in that series. He hands Redick and the Lakers a key 3-point shooter too when needed.

Los Angeles listed Vanderbilt as questionable at first ahead of the Saturday primetime matchup in the Lakers’ home. Vanderbilt sustained the injury during Game 1 against OKC, which ended in a lopsided 108-90 Thunder victory inside the Paycom Center.

Vanderbilt’s return likely means a slice in minutes for Adou Thiero. The reserve earned six minutes on the floor with Vanderbilt out during Game 2. Thiero grabbed three rebounds in reserve duty while also turning the ball over once.

Austin Reaves rose as the Lakers’ leading scorer in dropping 31 points through 38 minutes on the floor. James scored 23 in 38 minutes.

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