Deandre Ayton Sidelined with Left Eye Injury, Won’t Return in Denver
deandre-ayton-ruled-out-vs-nuggets-eye-injury
The Los Angeles Lakers ruled center Deandre Ayton out for the second half of Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets after he sustained a left eye injury late in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver.
Ayton was struck in the face near the end of the second quarter and did not emerge from the locker room for the third. In 15 first-half minutes, he recorded four points and eight rebounds while shooting 2-for-5 from the field.
With Ayton unavailable, Jaxson Hayes opened the third quarter in the starting lineup. Rookie forward Drew Timme, who has recently earned rotation minutes, could see additional time as the backup center if Ayton misses more games.
The injury comes as the Lakers begin a season-long eight-game road trip. Los Angeles has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the year, and Ayton had just delivered his best performance of the season in Sunday’s win over the Toronto Raptors.
Redick Stresses Offensive Involvement for Ayton
Prior to Tuesday’s game, head coach JJ Redick highlighted the importance of keeping Ayton engaged on offense.
“There’s a trust level that exists with our guys, particularly when he’s in that short-roll area,” Redick said recently. “Even the defensive-minded players want to feel like they’re part of the offense… I think it’s important that we continue to look for him.”
No timetable has been provided for Ayton’s return as the Lakers await further evaluation of the injury.
Source: LakersNation.com
