LA Lakers' delaying Russell Westbrook trade will cost them playoff berth: Shannon Sharpe

NFL Hall of Famer and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe has criticized the LA Lakers yet again as the franchise continues to hold on to Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has had a torrid time in LA so far, with the former league MVP looking like a shadow of his former self.

Sharpe believes delaying the Russ trade could cost the Lakers significantly this season.

He said:

"I don’t know what the Lakers are waiting for. If they wait till Thanksgiving, they’ll be out of playoff contention. It makes no sense to me. Rob Pelinka do you understand what it takes to build a team around LeBron James?"

LA Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has been under massive scrutiny lately for constructing such a sub-par roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Moreover, Russell Westbrook's fit with the team continues to grab headlines.

The LA Lakers could be in for another disappointing season if they don't improve their roster quickly.

Russell Westbrook had yet another disappointing game against the LA Clippers as the former league MVP failed to score a single field goal during the entire game. Westbrook finished with two points, three rebounds, four assists and five steals.

Russell Westbrook might not be traded soon?

The LA Lakers might hold on to Russell Westbrook for a little bit longer. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the trades surrounding Westbrook might only come to fruition after Thanksgiving.

On "NBA Countdown," Wojnarowski said:

“I’m told to expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to wait until post-Thanksgiving, 20 games into the season. And see what teams may start pivoting who don’t start off well, who decide that they may start to unload players and perhaps get involved in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.”

The LA Lakers desperately need to add shooting and wing defenders to their roster. Many believe the only way to improve this team is by trading Russ.

The LA Lakers have had a disastrous start to the new season. They were blown away by reigning champions the Golden State Warriors on opening night. LeBron James and co. then lost to the LA Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard only playing 21 minutes off the bench.

The Lakers have a tough road ahead as they face Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers next followed by a two-game road trip against Western Conference contenders the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Post their road trip, they have four games at home against the Nuggets, Pelicans, Jazz and the Cavaliers.

The upcoming games are going to be tough for the Lakers and it is possible that they start this season with a very poor record.