Lakers' Deandre Ayton Will Wear No. 5 Jersey After Signing Contract in NBA Free Agency
It’s official: Deandre Ayton will wear No. 5 for the Lakers as he suits up in purple and gold this season.
Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers last week after he finalized a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ayton wore No. 22 during his first five NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, then switched to No. 2 during his stint in Portland.
In Los Angeles, the No. 22 jersey was retired in Nov. 1983 to honor Lakers legend Elgin Baylor, who ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in nearly every major category and once dropped 71 points in a single game—a franchise record at the time.
While No. 2 is available in Los Angeles, the 26-year-old appears to be turning a new leaf, opting to represent a fresh chapter with the Lakers by wearing No. 5.
After averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and shooting 56.6 percent from the field last season with the rebuilding Trail Blazers, Ayton drew interest from several teams. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the center took his time speaking with suitors before ultimately choosing to join the Lakers.
