Why does Juan Toscano Anderson wear jersey number 95 with the Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers forward Juan Toscano-Anderson wears the number 95 on his jersey as a way to honor his childhood home and his Oakland roots.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Juan Toscano-Anderson started to wear the number 95 on his jersey since his days with the Golden State Warriors, and he continues to wear it with his new team.
Toscano-Anderson is only the second player in the history of the NBA to don this number, the first being guard DeAndre’ Bembry, who last played with the Milwaukee Bucks. The number has never been worn in the history of the Lakers.
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Toscano-Anderson’s number recalls his boyhood home
The 27-year-old told NBC Sports that he would have chosen either No. 5 or No. 10 when he was first choosing a number while he was with the Warriors, but those had already been taken by other players.
He then thought of the number 95 to pay homage to the place where he grew up.
“Ten is my favorite number, but I play with No. 5 in the G League. Those were both taken by Jacob Evans and Loon (Kevon Looney). So, I thought No. 95… why not?,” he told NBC Sports.
“I’m from Oakland… I’m from 95th (Avenue). The house that we’ve had for 50 years, everybody has spent a significant amount of time in their life at that house.”
Wearing that specific number is a way for him to make his family feel like they are a part of his experience with the NBA.
“That house is not only special to me, but to pretty much my whole family. They all feel a part of it when I wear No. 95 because that’s where we’re all from… it’s special to everybody. I just wanted all of them to feel a part of this journey with me,” said Toscano-Anderson.