Kobe is slightly delusional.
The only way to become a Championship contender overnight is if you sign a megastar (like KD or LeBron). There isn’t a player like that out there for the Lakers. Even if they signed a very good player in the offseason like a LaMarcus Aldridge, the supporting cast is weak. It is possible they get better (hit on a draft pick & stay healthy), but competing for a championship is a stretch.
With that being said, Kobe is optimistic.
The Lakers are not going to make the playoffs this year, and it seems unlikely that they will challenge for a title next year. So if titles are your only goal, why even play these last two seasons?
I know what Mitch [Kupchak, the Lakers GM] tells me. I know what Jim and Jeanie [Buss, the team owners] tell me. I know that they are hell-bent about having a championship caliber team next season, as am I.
If it does happen it will be a miracle.