Lakers' Deandre Ayton Posts Photo of Eye Patch, Makes Pirate Joke After Injury vs. Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton came away with a win and a fashion accessory from Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Ayton was inadvertently poked in the eye midway through the contest. Following the 115-107 victory, he showed off the eye patch he was wearing and made light of the situation:

The veteran big man played 15 minutes, finishing with four points and eight rebounds.

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The full extent of Ayton's injury is unclear. The Lakers have Wednesday off and return to the court Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Perhaps he'll get the green light to suit up.

The 2018 No. 1 overall pick is having another solid statistical season. He's averaging 13.9 points on a career-best 68.5 percent shooting along with 8.8 rebounds.

In general, however, the same issues that hindered Ayton, particularly on defense, have followed him to Los Angeles from his previous stops with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.

If he does have to miss any time, Jaxson Hayes will likely take over as the starting center.