Kobe says he doesn't need to defend ESPN's No. 93 player ranking

Rankings won't get a reaction from Kobe Bryant - no matter how controversial they seem.

The Los Angeles Lakers star made it clear after Thursday's preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors that he feels no need to rebut his 93rd rank in ESPN's NBA player rankings.

"I don't need to defend that (ranking). Nobody does, really," the five-time league champion explained, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

And "Black Mamba" felt no need to give another comment.

"Please don't ask me about silly stuff like that."

Bryant finished 5-of-11 for 16 points in 22 minutes of action.