The injury occurred when Vanderbilt’s finger struck the backboard while attempting to block a dunk by Thunder center Chet Holmgren.
The injury was a full dislocation of his right pinkie finger, with the bone breaking through the skin, and required stitches.
Players and coaches described the injury as ‘gruesome’ and ‘freak,’ noting Vanderbilt was audibly screaming in pain.
Vanderbilt’s exit reduced the Lakers’ rotation, and the Thunder ultimately won the game 108-90; the duration of Vanderbilt’s absence is currently unknown.