The Ticonderoga class began as a destroyer design, rather than as a destroyer leader or a conventional cruiser. Its large Aegis installation gave the US Navy a plausible basis for calling it a cruiser at a time when Soviet cruiser numbers created political pressure to field more American cruisers. The label also matched what the ships did after entering service: they deployed in cruiser roles instead of serving as destroyers in all but name. Classification here depends on operational role and force structure as well as hull size or equipment.
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Why the Ticonderogas became cruisers
The Ticonderogas began as Aegis destroyers, but fleet roles and pressure to match Soviet cruiser numbers pushed them into cruiser status.