Some people are blinded by their ignorance as well as brainwashed by the media. No matter how well you explain it to them, they would never understand it. People think it's easy to turn the team around like flipping a coin.
Also don't be surprise if Lebron' free agency will be spun that way over the next 12 months. Only those who are ignorant will believe such nonsense. LBJ would not join a rebuild team no matter how big your legacy is and how many rafters and retired jerseys you have.
Bottom line, rebuild is the best option. You can try buy championship by taking a short cut like what the Nets just did. To contend for several years copy of what the Spurs did with their team. It's the best example on how to build a good team for years. It's almost the same path with the Heat the way Riley has been doing it. He approached free agency instead of going through drafting. The Spurs and the Heat built the team around the big 3 by adding good pieces in veterans and young good players every year.
It would be interesting to see how they restructure Kobe's salary next year and how willing he is to negotiate his salary IF winning another ring is his priority. Like I said before if the Lakers is lucky enough, 5 years should be good before climbing back to the top.