The Los Angeles Lakers are trailing in a series for the first time in the playoffs this year and now face the prospect of being more shorthanded than already expected for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Luka Doncic remains out as he tries to recover from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Luke Kennard is considered questionable and Jarred Vanderbilt is doubtful.
Luka Kennard injury
The Lakers noted Kennard’s status for Thursday as having some doubt because of neck soreness. It’s the first time Kennard is listed on the Lakers’ injury report since the playoffs began.
He’s coming off a rough performance against the Thunder in which he was just 1-of-4 from the field.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s status for Game 2
En route to the Lakers suffering a loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals matchup, Vanderbilt was ruled out after playing just six minutes.
Vanderbilt suffered a full dislocation of the pinkie finger on his right hand when he attempted to block a shot. Vanderbilt immediately grabbed at his hand in pain and the scene of the fracture breaking skin had players on the Thunder bench squeamish.
Despite the grueling injury, Vanderbilt seemingly remains an option this series even if being doubtful for Game 2 on Thursday night. The 27-year-old had the fracture put back in place and is wearing a splint on his pinky.
“He’s a tough-minded player and person,” Redick told reporters on Wednesday. “He had a full dislocation, so they had to put the stuff back together. He’ll be day-to-day.”
Redick added that in addition to pain tolerance, the Lakers medical staff would need to ensure Vanderbilt’s tissue has repaired itself strong enough to protect from the bone potentially breaking through skin once again.
Luka Doncic progressing, but long road still ahead
Whereas Vanderbilt’s status came as a surprise, Doncic’s first time speaking with reporters since suffering his Grade 2 left hamstring strain offered a grim outlook. Doncic revealed that at the time of undergoing an MRI, he was given a timetable of eight weeks in order to recover.
Thursday is going to mark five weeks from the date of Doncic’s injury. He’s started running but has not yet been cleared to progress to full-contract work. The Lakers seemingly would need to reach the Western Conference Finals in order for a Doncic return to become realistic.
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