“How the hell did Rob Pelinka get an extension, the Lakers failed LeBron James?!": NBA analyst questions make-up of LA Lakers' roster, says glaring shooting weakness was ignored
After missing the playoffs last year, it hasn't been a great start to the season for the LA Lakers. Through three games, they are one of the few teams that are still without a win.
One of the main reasons why LA is off to such a bad start is because they did not address their issues from last season. Most notably, the awkward fit of Russell Westbrook. Despite many rumors, no deal surfaced for the former MVP.
Along with not trading Westbrook, the Lakers put another questionable supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Outside of the addition of Patrick Beverley, none of their offseason moves were needle moving.
Even though he's in year 20, LeBron James is still a high-impact player in the NBA. He and AD have proven they can lead a team to a title, but they need better talent around them.
During a recent episode of FS1's "Undisputed," Shannon Sharpe called out GM Rob Pelinka for wasting the end of LeBron's career.
"I'm just trying to figure out how Rob Pelinka got the damn extension. Basically, it's the same team that they had last year, but just younger players."
"They failed him. They failed LeBron James knowing this man needs shooters."
.@ShannonSharpe needs answers on the Lakers slow start:
“How the hell did Rob Pelinka get an extension?! The Lakers failed LeBron James. They know this man needs shooters!” https://t.co/MKIcvGIhhv
Shannon Sharpe feels LA Lakers should have gone after Buddy Hield
Before the LA Lakers made the blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook, Buddy Hield was another player on their trade target list. However, the team opted for star power in the end.
While Hield isn't a multi-time All-Star or former MVP, he is the exact type of player LA needs right now. Along with being an elite three-point marksman, he is always near the top of the league in terms of volume from beyond the arc.
Given how seamless of a fit he would be next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Shannon Sharpe bashed Rob Pelinka for not acquiring Hield to replace Westbrook.
"I'm not saying Buddy Hield is a savior, but he is a proven knockdown shooter. That's what you need."
It goes without saying how much the Lakers need a reliable three-point shooter like Hield. Currently, the team sits dead last in the NBA in percentage at 21.2%.
So far this season, Hield is shooting 36.4% on from three on just over eight attempts per game. The only player on LA's roster with a higher percentage is Matt Ryan, and he's only stepped out from beyond the arc five times this year.
Judging off how things have gone since the trade, it's clear Pelinka made the wrong decision acquiring Westbrook. Along with bringing in a player who was a questionable fit, the team sacrificed its depth to do so. Now, the Lakers are unable to trade the All-Star guard and won't be able to make any other adjustments because of his massive salary.
As Shapre mentioned, even though Hield isn't a flashy name, he is the exact type of complementing role player LeBron and AD need. If LA wants any shot at being a playoff contender again, they must address the lack of outside shooting on their roster.