Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Embraces “Pirate” Look After Eye Injury in Denver Win
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial 115-107 road victory against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, though the win came with a concerning development for center Deandre Ayton. The big man started the game but was forced to exit before halftime after suffering an eye poke. Despite the initial concern, Ayton seems to be taking his injury in stride, even embracing a humorous “pirate” persona in the aftermath. The Lakers managed to hold their ground without their center, maintaining their position as the fifth seed in the competitive Western Conference standings with a 26-16 record.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided some colorful commentary on Ayton’s condition post-game, noting that the center “looks like a pirate” while sporting an eye patch. Redick didn’t downplay the severity of the injury, admitting, “His eye—it’s not in good shape,” but expressed hope that “at the bare minimum it’s just a poke in the eye, and he’ll be fine tomorrow.” The injury limited Ayton to just 15 minutes of playing time, during which he contributed four points and eight rebounds before making an early exit. His absence created an opportunity for backup center Jaxson Hayes, who stepped up admirably with nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks to help secure the victory.
Rather than showing frustration over his injury, Ayton leaned into the pirate comparison with good humor. He took to Instagram to share an update featuring himself wearing tape and a black eye patch, captioning the image with a playful “Arrr!!!” accompanied by a pirate flag emoji and several laughing emojis. He also included the text “Hold on, calm down, YoungBoy” across part of the photo, with an NBA YoungBoy song playing in the background of his Story. This lighthearted response suggests Ayton isn’t overly concerned about the long-term implications of the injury, though as of this writing, there have been no official updates regarding his availability for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
Ayton’s absence from the court is particularly notable given his solid contributions to the Lakers this season. The center has been averaging 13.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, a block, and nearly an assist per game, providing a reliable presence in the paint for Los Angeles. His development with the team has been a bright spot in a season that has seen the Lakers experience some ups and downs, as evidenced by their 5-5 record over their last ten games. Despite this inconsistency, the team has now won two consecutive games, suggesting they may be finding their rhythm at a crucial point in the season.
The Lakers’ ability to secure a road win in Denver without Ayton for most of the game speaks to the team’s depth and resilience. Denver has traditionally been a difficult place for visiting teams to play, making this victory particularly significant. The win helps the Lakers maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff picture, where competition remains fierce from top to bottom. As the team continues to navigate the grueling NBA schedule, maintaining health will be crucial, making Ayton’s eye injury situation one to monitor closely in the coming days.
While fans wait for updates on Ayton’s condition, his spirited response to the injury provides some reassurance that the center isn’t dwelling on the setback. Professional athletes often face a barrage of physical challenges throughout a season, and maintaining a positive attitude can be just as important as physical treatment. Ayton’s pirate-themed Instagram post not only entertained fans but also suggested a mental resilience that will serve him well as he works toward returning to the court. Whether he’ll be available for the upcoming battle against the Clippers remains to be seen, but his lighthearted approach to the situation offers hope that the Lakers center won’t be sidelined for long.
