“Rob Pelinka, do you understand what it really takes to build a team?” – NBA analyst slams Lakers GM for not signing consistent 3-point shooters to support LeBron James' playing style
Since winning the title in 2020, the LA Lakers have been on a downward trend. Injuries and questionable roster construction led to the team being on the outside looking in come playoff time.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still playing at a high level, LA wants to do whatever it can to get back in the title picture. The only issue is that they've entered another season with a lackluster supporting cast around their stars.
Russell Westbrook was a big topic of conversation in the offseason, but the Lakers could not find a trade partner for him. Even with his contract expiring this season, there is close to no market for the former MVP without draft compensation.
Following their 0-2 start to the season, reports emerged that LA will not begin to entertain roster changes until around Thanksgiving. FS1's Shannon Sharpe went on "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" to say that's a bad plan and called out general manager Rob Pelinka:
"Rob Pelinka, do you understand what it really takes to build a team? ... By Thanksgiving, if you don't make a move by Thanksgiving, you gonna be out of playoff contention. Because you're hoping for the play-in right now."
.@ShannonSharpe doesn’t see Westbrook being traded from the Lakers anytime soon:
“I don’t know what the Lakers are waiting for. If they wait till Thanksgiving, they’ll be out of playoff contention.” https://t.co/sDAn9CDMSo
Shannon Sharpe explains what LA Lakers need to turn things around
When the Lakers won the title in the bubble, their supporting cast was littered with players that complemented James and Anthony Davis. Along with above-average defenders, they had multiple guys who could step out beyond the arc and consistently knock down 3s.
Looking at the roster now, LA is in desperate need of perimeter shooting. For the James-Davis two-man game to function properly, the offense needs to be spaced out. If opposing defenses aren't worried about the guys on the outside, then it allows them to shrink the floor on the pair of All-Stars.
After calling out Rob Pelinka, Shannon Sharpe said that if the Lakers want to turn things around, it starts with adding more shooting to the roster:
"If LeBron James is your best player, and you see what he's done. LeBron James has won championships with shooters. Your two best players need shooters to space the floor."
He added:
"If your quarterback is the best player on your team, you build your offense around what the quarterback does really well."
If LA wants to get back in the mix to compete, it's clear that changes need to be made. Even with James and Davis playing at a high level, their supporting cast isn't strong enough to contend in a loaded Western Conference.