Bryant’s Next Court Date Postponed Until Nov. 13

Kobe Bryant’s first appearance in Colorado District Court on a felony sexual assault charge will be Nov. 13 at 9 a.m., the presiding judge said Tuesday.

The hearing had been scheduled for Nov. 10, but Eagle County Dist. Atty. Mark Hurlbert asked for a postponement until Nov. 24 or 26 because he said he had a previous commitment.

Judge Terry Ruckriegle, who took over the case after Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett bound it over to District Court following a preliminary hearing, conferred with Hurlbert and Bryant’s attorneys and changed the date to Nov. 13. That’s a Thursday, and an off day for the Lakers, who play the Toronto Raptors at home the night of Nov. 12 and are back at Staples Center on Nov. 14 for a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Bryant, a Laker guard and five-time NBA All-Star, is accused of raping a 19-year-old Eagle woman June 30 at a mountain resort. Bryant says they had consensual sex.

Bryant could elect to combine the first appearance with his arraignment, enter a plea and allow a trial date to be set. He also could ask for a separate arraignment.

-- Steve Henson