Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant pulled no punches when asked to share his thoughts on the latest ESPN NBA player rankings that listed him at No. 40. The perennial All-Star guard responded by calling the network "a bunch of idiots."
Bryant was asked about being ranked as the 40th best NBA player after the Lakers' 119-86 preseason loss Thursday night to the Utah Jazz.
"I've known for a long time [that] they're a bunch of idiots," the five-time NBA champion said, according to ESPN Los Angeles.
Bryant, who called his No. 25 ranking a year ago "silly" and laughable" put up a game-best 27 points against the Jazz. The Lakers have struggled during this preseason, going 1-3 thus far.
Injuries limited Bryant to just six games during the 2013-14 season. But he doesn't plan to use the ESPN ranking as an additional source of motivation.
"I tend to use things as motivation that tend to be in the realm of reality," he said. "Honestly, all jokes aside, it really doesn't bother me too much. I'm going to do what I do regardless. God willing, I can stay healthy, and if I wind up proving a lot of people wrong in the process, that will just wind up being collateral damage."
The joking will end Oct. 28 when the Lakers begin their regular-season at home against the Houston Rockets.
Under new head coach Byron Scott, the Lakers look to rebound from a 27-55 mark last season, the worst record in franchise history. The team failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
For more coverage, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN and Like Us on Facebook
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
