Deandre Ayton’s Eye Injury and New Look
Deandre Ayton, the Los Angeles Lakers’ prominent center, recently unveiled a temporary new style after sustaining an eye injury during a game. Following an incident where he was poked in the eye during the Lakers’ matchup on Tuesday, Ayton shared an Instagram post featuring himself sporting a patch over his eye, humorously accompanied by a pirate emoji.
This light-hearted nod to his situation drew attention, especially from his coach, JJ Redick, who noted post-game that Ayton indeed resembled a pirate after leaving the court just before halftime.
Impact of the Injury on the Game
Due to the injury, Ayton was unable to compete in the entire third quarter and the Lakers later announced he would miss the remainder of the game. Despite his brief time on the floor—contributing four points and eight rebounds in approximately 15 minutes—the Lakers emerged victorious against the Denver Nuggets with a score of 115-107.
Coach’s Update on Ayton’s Condition
Coach Redick provided an update on Ayton’s condition, acknowledging that his eye was “not in good shape” but reassured fans that he wouldn’t be out for an extended period. He expressed optimism about Ayton’s readiness for their next match against the Los Angeles Clippers, scheduled for Thursday. Redick emphasized that even if Ayton needs to sit out that game, the injury isn’t expected to sideline him for long.
Ayton’s Performance This Season
Ayton, who signed a two-year contract with the Lakers in the off-season after playing two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, has been consistently delivering solid performances this season. Through 37 games, he has maintained an average of 13.9 points alongside 8.8 rebounds, continuing to establish himself as a key player for the team.
