Deandre Ayton is officially a Los Angeles Laker. And now, Lakers fans know what number he'll be wearing. Ayton has chosen No. 5 as his L.A. jersey number. It's a choice with a bit of a checkered history for the Lakers.

Lakers' Rob Pelinka Makes His Thoughts On Deandre Ayton Very Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the 2024-25 NBA season ended, it was clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed help in the paint. The team’s top priority heading into the offseason was finding a reliable big man who could anchor the front court on both ends of the floor.

Scott Brooks, a Lakers assistant coach who was an assistant with the Trail Blazers when Deandre Ayton was there, advocated for L.A. to sign Ayton.