Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant isn't bothered by ESPN's decision to rank him 40th in their annual NBA player rankings. Perhaps Bryant has reached some sort of Zen-like nirvana in which petty slights no longer have any effect on him.

"I've known for a long time they're a bunch of idiots," Bryant said about ESPN, Sports Illusrated reports. "Honestly, all jokes aside, it really doesn't bother me too much. I'm going to do what I do regardless. And 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."

Or maybe he just thinks all media people are brainless jerks. Whatever works for him.

Bryant, 36, missed all but six games last year due to injuries. Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said last month that the star shooting guard's minutes will be managed this season to try and avoid any re-aggravation of the injuries.

The Lakers open their regular season Oct. 28 against the Houston Rockets.