Kobe Bryant is keeping it real when it comes to the Lakers -- telling TMZ Sports when it comes to the playoffs ... "maybe next year."
At least, that's what it appears he said when we shouted a question at him from across the street.
JOURNALISM!
The NBA legend was out in NYC when our photog spotted him and asked about the state of Lakers Nation.
Kobe gave us the ol' thumbs up -- but when we pressed about LeBron taking the team to the players, he shrugged and appeared to say, "Well, maybe next year.