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Kobe Bryant responds to ESPN’s low ranking of the Los Angeles Lakers

By Mike Dyce

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March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

ESPN loves Power Rankings, so why not power rank the NBA’s Western Conference well in advance of training camp for fun? There are some surprises on this list.

The list is as follows (with their projected 2013 records):

  1. Oklahoma City Thunder- 58-24
  2. Los Angles Clippers- 57-25
  3. San Antonio Spurs (defending Western Conference Champions)- 55-27
  4. Houston Rockets- 53-29
  5. Memphis Grizzlies- 51-31
  6. Golden State Warriors- 50-32
  7. Denver Nuggets- 43-39
  8. Minnesota Timberwolves- 40-42
  9. Dallas Mavericks- 39-43
  10. Portland Trailblzers- 38-44
  11. New Orleans Pelicans- 37-45
  12. Los Angeles Lakers- 36-46
  13. Utah Jazz- 32-50
  14. Sacramento Kings- 30-52
  15. Phoenix Suns- 22-60

A certain prominent figure of the Los Angeles Lakers took exception to ESPN’s ranking.

The fact that Dwight Howard left, along with Metta World Peace, surely dropped them in the rankings. There is no reason to think that the Lakers can’t contend for a playoff berth. When Kobe Bryant is on the court your team always has a chance to make the playoffs.

Kobe Bryant is also no stranger to taking these kind of things personally and responding. Remember when Mark Cuban suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers amnesty Bryant?

Kobe responded with a 38 performance as he lead the Lakers to a 103-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

So NBA, you’ve been warned.

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