1. A method for coding or reconstructing a pixel intensity of a pixel of an image, the method comprising: selecting at least one reference pixel from pixels of the image, wherein the respective reference pixel was coded previously; providing a model function that (a) provides a specific prediction method for generating a predicted pixel intensity candidate based on the respective intensity of one or more reference pixels, and (b) uses an adaptive rule for generating the predicted pixel intensity candidate, wherein the adaptive rule is based on intensity characteristics of the reference pixels; setting the predicted pixel intensity candidate for the pixel based on the model function as a predicted pixel intensity; and coding or reconstructing the pixel intensity of the pixel based on the predicted pixel intensity.