The returning Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers believes he does not need to defend the ranking given to him by ESPN ahead of the upcoming 2015–16 season.
ESPN ranked Bryant as the 93rd best player heading to the new season and some fans and even renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, who works for ESPN, disagreed.
But for Bryant, it does not seem to bother him that much, saying, according to ESPN, "I don't need to defend that [ranking]. Nobody does, really."
When asked what he thinks about the no. 93 ranking, he answered, "Please don't ask me about silly stuff like that."
The 37-year-old basketball star's statements came after a 16-point performance in their loss to the Toronto Raptors, which was the Lakers' third consecutive defeat in this year's preseason.
According to ESPN, this year's ranking was based on the prediction of a player's performance this season, which was the biggest factor in Bryant's ranking.
In 2013, the five-time champion ranked 25th and in 2014 went down to no. 40, before dropping to no. 93 this year.
Unfortunately for Bryant, he was plagued by injuries in the past two seasons which limited him to only 41 games combined.
"This is our prediction for how much Kobe will be able to contribute this year and how effective he'll be," director of content analytics for ESPN Digital and Print Media Royce Webb said in a report by ESPN.
Webb added that Bryant is actually ranked higher since he should have been the 163rd best player if stats (plus-minus, expected playing minutes) were considered.
"Our voters decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and move him up to 93rd," Webb stated.
Bryant will have the chance to prove the rankings wrong as the preseason continues with five more games remaining in their schedule.
The Lakers will be opening the 2015–16 regular season on Oct. 28 at home, taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
