AS NORMAL AS NORMAL CAN BE.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

This is how it could go now, how it could be for a while, if not the rest of the season.

The sensationalism toned down, the Lakers going about business pretty much as usual, cameras catching Kobe Bryant in Colorado, waiting for him back at the arena. Bryant ending the day with dramatics on the floor.

Friday had the potential to offer the most significant courtroom decisions yet in Bryant's rape trial. And by day's end, little of obvious consequence developed.

Bryant and attorneys walked up the now-familiar steps outside the courthouse in Eagle, Colo. This time dressed in layers, their warm breath outlined in the crisp Colorado morning air.

The beginning to a long day for Bryant, though the revelations would be more subtle than in earlier court visits.

What we learned was that District Judge Terry Ruckriegle is going to be very deliberate; only one motion was decided upon. That the veteran Lakers are very capable of taking an occasional Bryant absence, or tardy, in stride.

That Bryant has much better airport service than the rest of us, and in the clutch, there are still few like him on the planet.

With Bryant still en route from his hearing, the Lakers went out against Denver and calmly opened a 27-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Then Bryant appeared from a Staples Center tunnel and the crowd rose. There were a few boos, but mostly he received a warm standing ovation. And then went directly into the game to start the second quarter.

It certainly had not been a typical day, but it might have been a telling one. Much of the electricity that had previously surrounded his court appearances seemed reduced Friday. All the tabloid-style TV shows that had followed his every move in the preseason had long since disappeared. Even the cable networks that had broken through regular programming every time a court door cracked, were restrained Friday in coverage. It was only the fifth tease to open CNN's broadcast.

Maybe it felt like old news now, or Michael Jackson's scandal has more celebrity appeal, or much of the public and media has become suspicious of his accuser.

For now, she'll settle for giving stunned broadcasters chills.

Ruckriegle's approach gives every indication that the court proceedings will be a longer process than most anticipated.

There likely will be several hearings before Bryant's case actually goes to trial. The next scheduled hearing will be Jan. 23, an off-day for the Lakers between games at Dallas and Utah.

Yet whatever distraction some feared this would all have on the team appears unfounded. This is a mature group. Though recognizing the seriousness of Bryant's situation, they are still treating his missing a game as if he were out with a minor injury and understand there will be moments he is not there.

``Guys are very open to it and very supportive of him,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. ``He thinks that's good because he can focus, divide his time, come back and refocus.

``It's tough on him to get as much concerted energy and focus directed at what we're trying to do, though. It's difficult for him. I think he'll get better at it as the season goes on.''

In Colorado, Ruckriegle is wrestling with dueling amendments: freedom of the press vs. the right to a fair trail. The right to bring into evidence the accuser's mental state and medical history vs. inhibiting rape victims from coming forward.

Bryant is trying to take it all in and then fly across half the country to play basketball.

``It's difficult,'' Jackson said. ``I really don't think it impacts his play as much as it impacts his mood. I don't think it's going to be an issue.''

Bryant came out in a mood to pass (five assists in the second quarter, 0 for 2 from the field), then came out scoring in the second half (13 points). And somehow hitting the game-winning jumper at the buzzer.

As much as possible, basketball as usual.

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Photo:

Kobe Bryant began his day in cold Colorado but warmed up at Staples Center.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer