<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe Bryant's hearing Thursday in his sexual assault case in Eagle, Colo., will end in time for him to fly back to Los Angeles in time for tip-off for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, a source tells ESPN. A judge is expected to set Bryant's trial date that day. Game 4 between the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves is to begin at 9 p.m. ET at Staples Center. Bryant's travel time between Eagle and Los Angeles normally is about three hours. It is not clear when the hearing will begin or how long it will last.</div> <div align="center">Source</div> There you have it, Kobe will be playing in Game 4. I expected him to miss at least the first half of Game 4. But now that’s no longer the case, the Lakers should stay focused and adjust themselves for the T'Wolves. They're game last night was disappointing, I expect them to bounce back and come back strong.
Good on 2 points: 1. There'll be no excuses if Minny Wins. 2. Kobe should enjoy every game he can right now. He'll never get to play in the NBA again, if he's found guilty.
Rush Could Start In Place For Kobe <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"When I get here, if I get back in time, I'm going to be ready to play," Bryant said after practice Wednesday. That's certainly in question, because the game begins about 6:15 (PDT), some 90 minutes before Lakers home games usually start. "We have no indication as to how long it's going to be," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of Bryant's day in court. "We're hopeful." Bryant is charged with raping a 19-year-old Colorado woman who worked at a Vail-area resort. He claims the two had consensual sex and has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of sexual assault that could send him to prison for four years to life, or put him on probation for 20 years to life. He also could be fined up to $750,000 if convicted. Jackson said if Bryant doesn't return in time, Kareem Rush will start. A two-year veteran, Rush is averaging 3.1 points and 14 minutes per game in the postseason. "We have confidence in Kareem, that he can play basketball and fill a gap," Jackson said.</div> <div align="center">Full Story</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post"> 2. Kobe should enjoy every game he can right now. He'll never get to play in the NBA again, if he's found guilty.</div>Good thing they have T-Mac as their back up option.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Good thing they have T-Mac as their back up option.</div> That's not too bad of a back up option in my opinion.
