The Los Angeles Lakers escaped Denver with a win on Wednesday night against the Nuggets, which also included a potential concern for big man Deandre Ayton.
The Lakers’ center started the game, but exited before halftime after getting poked in the eye on a play. He never returned to the lineup, logging just 15 minutes of action to score four points and grab eight rebounds.
Following the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacted to his team’s 115-107 win. He also spoke about Ayton’s injury, commenting, “he got poked in the eye,” and indicated “he looks like a pirate,” because the Lakers center was sporting an eye patch.
“His eye- it’s not in good shape,” Redick said, adding, “We’re hopeful at the bare minimum it’s just a poke in the eye, and he’ll be fine tomorrow.”
Ayton appeared to embrace his new fashion accessory, posting an update on his Instagram Story wearing tape and a black eye patch.
“Arrr!!!” he wrote on text over his face, including a pirate flag with a skull and crossbones and several crying laughing emojis.
“Hold on, calm down, YoungBoy,” was also across part of his photo, with an NBA YoungBoy song playing over his slide.
While Ayton didn’t return, he appears to be having some fun with his coach’s remarks. As of this writing, there were no updates on his availability for his next game, which would be Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers' big man is averaging 13.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, a block, and nearly an assist per game this season with the team.
Despite his early exit, the team held on for the road win with Jaxson Hayes coming in as the backup to replace Ayton. Hayes finished with nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the game.
After the win, the purple and gold remain fifth overall in the Western Conference standings. They boast a 26-16 record after going 5-5 in their last 10 games with two straight wins.
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