Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has dismissed critical comments made by ex-Laker coach Phil Jackson as nothing more than a book selling ploy, the Seattle Times is reporting.  Bryant declined opportunity to take shots back at the nine time NBA champion.

"He's just trying to sell books. I'll just leave it at that," Bryant said yesterday. "I wish him the best at whatever he's doing now. I have responsibilities here, and that's what I have to take care of. That's it."

Jackson wrote he became so frustrated with Bryant that he told general manager Mitch Kupchak in January: "I won't coach this team next year if he is still here. He won't listen to anyone. I've had it with this kid."

New Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich disagrees with Jackson's assessment of his star player so far.

"He was fantastic" after the game, Tomjanovich said. "He addressed the team and said, 'Some of you have your heads down, but we worked hard. No one should leave thinking we didn't give a lot of effort.' "

Bryant, who had 35 points, said a leadership role is not new to him on the club.

"Right now, people are paying attention to it more so than in the past," Bryant said. "I've always been a leader out here on the floor."