'What About Them Picks?': Shannon Sharpe Blasts Rob Pelinka While Defending LeBron James

Sharpe brought up Jalen Hood-Schifino, who was a first-round pick for the team a few years ago. He asked, “Where is he?” to point out that the team is not getting any help from their young players. 

After being swept clean by the OKC Thunder in the 2026 playoffs, Sharpe is of the opinion that the younger recruits are not doing enough to help veterans like LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.

Sharpe specifically questioned the circumstances of Pelinka’s 2017 hiring.

“If Rob Pelinka was not Kobe’s agent, does he have that job?”

He added that Pelinka did not have any prior experience running an NBA team before he was hired in 2017. 

Sharpe thinks LeBron James has done his part for the franchise.

“I’m ready for LeBron to leave.”

King Jams delivered a championship in 2020 and has helped develop younger players, and Sharpe believes none of the blame belongs on his shoulders.

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and the Bigger Problem Sharpe Believes

The current roster features a pairing of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Sharpe said that while both players are amazing on the offensive end, they are “defensively challenged.”

Sharpe pointed out that in the last five minutes of big games, opponents often target these players in the pick-and-roll. 

There have also been plenty of rumors about the Lakers trying to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo to fix their issues. Reports have surfaced that Doncic wants to make sure Reaves stays on the team if any big trade happens, per Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic. 

This is another example of the Lakers chasing a “quick fix” instead of building a balanced team. In Sharpe’s eyes, the Lakers just keep trying to buy stars and hoping it works out.

He doesn’t see a clear identity with Rob Pelinka and the current Lakers. Sharpe feels that the organization relies too much on its 17 championships and legacy. 

The Lakers face a pivotal offseason to address Sharpe’s front-office criticisms. Do you think Shannon Sharpe is right to blame Rob Pelinka?