About 14 months before he tragically passed away, NBA legend Kobe Bryant made a prediction.
At that time, the Lakers -- with a record of 14-9 -- were in fifth place in the Western Conference during the 2018-19 season.
"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.
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"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.
When Kobe -- who averaged 27.0 points against the Warriors in his career (his second-most against any team) -- was winning his five championships and making deep playoff runs, he didn't have to take Golden State seriously.
Golden State Warriors
The Dubs never stood in his way, and he consistently dominated them.
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But despite not having a lot to root for over a long period of time, Warriors fans routinely sold out Oracle Arena and were known for being some of the best in the NBA.
Did certain people jump on board during the 2014-15 season when the franchise won its first NBA title since 1975? No doubt about it. But that is inevitable.
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Kobe's dig at Dub Nation was in good fun and lighthearted.
The Warriors and Lakers haven't faced each other in the playoffs since 1991. Hopefully that changes in 2021, as the basketball world deserves to see Steph Curry and LeBron James go head-to-head again next season.
Rest in peace, Kobe.