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.

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.