The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) has just released their annual ranking of players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was unfazed when he heard he was ranked 40.

 "I've known for a long time [that] they're a bunch of idiots," Bryant said, offering a deep laugh when the media asked him if the rankings held any form of motivation for him.

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The rankings came out after the Lakers' preseason loss to the Utah Jazz, 119-86. In just 28 minutes of playing time, Bryant had scored a game-high 27 points, with 10 of 23 in shooting from the floor and seven made free throws.

Last year, Bryant's season was ended with a left knee fracture. However, ESPN had ranked him higher, as the 25^th best player.

SI.com said that the reason for his drop in rankings everywhere was because he was getting on in years.

Previously, Bryant said that he was using the rankings as a form of motivation. Now though, he simply calls them "silly," and "laughable."

"I tend to use things as motivation that tend to be in the realm of reality," Bryant said, a smile still playing on his lips.

He added that the rankings don't really bother him and he is going to do what he does best. If he can stay healthy, and prove a lot of people wrong in the process, he considers that to be just collateral damage.

Head Coach of the Lakers, Byron Scott, commented on the situation as well. He thinks that Bryant gets a kick out of it and that he wouldn't want to be one of the people that doubted him.

As coach of the Lakers though, he is a bit partial as he sees Bryant working every day.

Scott is certain of one thing though. Without a doubt, Bryant has the respect of all the players in the league because of what he has done and where he has reached.

TagsLos Angeles Lakers, LA Lakers, rankings, byron scott