“Survival of the fittest,” Charles Darwin said it best. But does it apply to the Lakers? Not quite. Their roster feels stuck in the past, and even GM Rob Pelinka knows it’s time for a change. Sure, they have LeBron James still defying age at 40. But what happens when Bron decides to throw the towel? Anthony Davis, The Brow has stepped up for the team, however, who does he have to back him? Crickets?

Critics have been vocal about their frustration over the Lakers’ no-move plan while the trade market remains active. So what if it’s shutting down within a week? A move and a good one, might I just add, is still possible. Thus, unable to contain his frustration, ESPN’s senior analyst Stephen A Smith took his moment to call out Rob Pelinka.

On NBA Countdown, the veteran interrupted ex-Warriors GM Bob Myers to speak. He said: “I’m done. I need you to do me a favor.” He further questioned: “Who gives a damn about how hard it is? That’s why you get paid the big bucks. I mean, there’s a lot of people out there that ain’t getting paid what executives in the NBA or elsewhere get paid. It’s a hard job so damn what? Get it done.”

SAS continued: “Number two, Anthony Davis, is a big time and we know how big-time he could be if you got another big. So you try to get him another big one.”

On Saturday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the Indiana Pacers might bid for their $40.9 million star Myles Turner. He also shared that the center would be the perfect fit for Pelinka and Co. as “he just fits perfectly next to AD on both sides of the floor. He spaces the floor and he’s a rim protector.”

However, the question is: Will Rob Pelinka make a move despite the pressure he has from the team for a major shake-up? Meanwhile, Shams Charania joined the conversation to shed some more light on the LA Lakers dilemma.

Shams Charania gives Rob Pelinka clarity on what his players want

LeBron James has been extremely vocal about his thoughts on the team’s necessary shake-up. The Lakers currently do not have the core to make errors. Therefore, with a roster that lacks depth, the road ahead is nothing but bumpy. And Rob Pelinka needs to understand this.

Last summer, he didn’t make big signings for the team and even now with only Dorian Finney-Smith coming from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, the roster isn’t shaking up. Meanwhile, Shams Charania joined Stephen A. Smith for the conversation with a message that the Lakers GM should know.

Charania said: “From my understanding, this is not about LeBron James and Anthony Davis mortgaging the Lakers future. But they want to see activity that warrants championship aspirations. And, I do think the Lakers intend to do that between now and the deadline and they’re not far off. It’s only three teams in the Western Conference that could beat the Lakers in a seven-game series.” The OKC Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and the Nuggets are the said teams, by the way.

The senior insider further noted that Rob Pelinka and Co. have tried to get Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz many times. However, “they have not been able to meet that steep price,” Charania added.

Reportedly the Lakers have put forth several offers but the Jazz aren’t willing to trade their star. Meanwhile, Kessler’s rookie deal is a steal. At just $2.9 million this season, he’s a bargain for any team wanting to strengthen their roster without breaking the bank. His value? Sky-high.

The Lakers are running out of time, and the pressure is mounting. LeBron wants action, AD needs support, and the fans are restless. Rob Pelinka stands at a crossroads—will he finally pull the trigger? Myles Turner could be the answer, but the market isn’t easy. Walker Kessler remains a dream, just out of reach. With the deadline closing in, it’s now or never for the Lakers to prove they’re serious about contending.