Lakers' Deandre Ayton Rocks Eye Patch After Nuggets Win

Merlin sees Deandre Ayton walk off Tuesday's game after an inadvertent eye poke and later pose in an eye patch following the Lakers' 115-107 win. He logged 15 minutes with four points and eight rebounds, and the team has a day off before Thursday's matchup with the Clippers. Ayton is enjoying a strong offensive season at 13.9 points on a career-best 68.5 percent shooting and 8.8 rebounds, but the full extent of the eye issue is unclear. Merlin notes the larger picture: Ayton’s efficiency boosts the Lakers, yet familiar defensive shortcomings have followed him from previous stops. If the injury keeps him out, Jaxson Hayes would likely step into the starting role and force schematic adjustments. The short layoff gives the Lakers a decent chance to clear him for action.