https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMjG...B1%E9%9B%84_V5

"They will figure it out," Kobe said on Dec. 3, 2018. "They have talented pieces and (Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka) has put them in position with incredible flexibility. They will figure it out.

"So, enjoy the journey because we'll be champions before you know it, and then we'll just be laughing at all the Warrior fans who all of the sudden came out of nowhere."

About 22 months after this comment, the Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to capture the franchise's 17th NBA title.

And his jab at bandwagon Warriors fans is not a surprise when you remember that Golden State made the playoffs just one time during a 16-season span from 1997 to 2012.