The Quiet Chapter of No. 4: Ryan Kelly's Lakers Legacy

In the illustrious tapestry of the Los Angeles Lakers, certain jersey numbers resonate with legendary status – the soaring dunks of No. 32, the fadeaways of No. 24, the sheer dominance of No. 33. Yet, amidst the hallowed digits, there are other numbers, less celebrated perhaps, but each with a unique tale to tell.

One such number is No. 4, and for three seasons, it was worn by Ryan Kelly, a figure whose Lakers tenure, while not etched in championship glory, represents a quietly significant chapter in the franchise's modern history.

Hailing from Duke University, Ryan Kelly arrived in Los Angeles as the 48th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

He was an intriguing prospect: a 6-foot-11 forward with a sharp basketball IQ and the coveted ability to stretch the floor, a skill that was just beginning to gain widespread prominence in the league. The Lakers, then navigating the twilight of Kobe Bryant's career and the tumultuous early phases of a rebuild, took a chance on the versatile big man, hoping his shooting touch and court awareness would translate to the professional game.

From 2013 to 2016, Kelly donned the purple and gold, primarily sporting the No.

4 jersey. His time with the Lakers was a microcosm of the team's struggles during that period. Plagued by injuries and the inherent inconsistencies of a young player finding his footing in the NBA, Kelly's career was a series of promising flashes interspersed with periods on the sidelines or in the then-D-League (now G-League).

Despite the challenges, he demonstrated resilience and dedication. When healthy, Kelly offered glimpses of his potential as a stretch-four, knocking down threes and providing much-needed spacing for a team often starved for offensive fluidity.

He played alongside a rotating cast of veterans and burgeoning young talents, experiencing firsthand the highs of a few surprising wins and the lows of a team enduring a painful rebuild.

His contribution, though not always flashy, was marked by fundamental soundness and a willingness to do the dirty work. He was a player who understood his role, striving to execute within the team's framework during a particularly challenging era for the storied franchise.

After his stint with the Lakers, Kelly's NBA journey continued briefly with the Atlanta Hawks before he eventually took his talents overseas, playing in Spain and Japan.

While his name may not grace the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, his time as the No. 4 Laker adds depth to the team's narrative. It serves as a reminder that every player, from the Hall of Famers to the role players, contributes a unique brushstroke to the expansive mural that is the Los Angeles Lakers' history.

The No.

4 jersey, worn by Kelly and others before and after him, embodies the less-traveled paths within a legendary franchise – not always about championships, but about the persistent effort, the quiet contributions, and the enduring spirit of competition that defines every Laker who takes to the court.