KOBE'S DARK CLOUD CASTS SHADOW ON LAKERS.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

So now what?

We all take a deep breath, attempt to regroup, wonder how well we really know our wunderkind, wonder what the future holds.

It takes awhile to completely take in a surreal day like Friday, but ultimately it is required.

Kobe Bryant charged with rape. Kobe Bryant claiming innocence in an extraordinary news conference, and, while holding his wife's hand, admitting to adultery.

We know very little about what actually happened that early morning in Colorado. We do know the facts and the versions of what happened will be played out on Court TV.

It will be Kobe and his high-priced legal defense team, taking on a 34- year-old district attorney who just seven months ago was an assistant D.A.

And, yes, it is trifling in comparison to the possibility of life in prison, but during the next six months while the legal game is played out, the Lakers have to consider how this all impacts them as a team.

Phil Jackson had to think he almost had a championship gift wrapped when the Lakers signed Karl Malone and Gary Payton last week. He had four set pieces to his lineup like he'd never known before, like maybe no one has ever known.

Only now his young superstar will be tried in the court of public opinion on an almost daily basis as the trial proceeds. Trying to stay focused on basketball while keeping in touch with his lawyers, while no doubt hearing some uncomplimentary comments in arenas throughout the league.

Kobe has incredible will, so initially you would expect him to be able to handle this ``distraction'' while concentrating on basketball.

Yet it must be remembered that he is also highly sensitive, and has been wounded in the past by unfavorable reports.

Now he has two additional superstars to adjust to, and an image cracking and taking on unsavory elements from which he might never be able to completely recover, even if he is acquitted.

Even giving Kobe benefit of the doubt about bringing his all to the court, there remains the danger his trial could prove a damaging distraction to the team.

Jackson, of course, will set the tone here. And though it is never wise to anticipate our coaching man of letters, his reaction does not seem difficult to forecast.

From the first day of camp, or even before, Jackson will announce that he and the players will not comment on Kobe's trial. That it is a legal matter and it would be inappropriate, if not simply irrational, for the team to discuss it.

You can expect Kobe's teammates to rally around him. Professional sports teams remain one of the most exclusive of clubs, and members are protective.

Yet outside of some general comments of support, there is nothing to be gained by the Lakers answering daily questions over whether the trial is distracting. The questions themselves would be distracting.

The Lakers were a veteran team already and now have added another pair of veterans. They are used to controversy and drama and the spotlight, though this certainly will overshadow all that has come before it.

Kobe doesn't figure to miss many games until his trial begins, possibly early next year. And even then, the trial is unlikely to be of extraordinary length. His physically being out might prove to be little more than a trip to the injured list.

He could, though, miss the All-Star Game, which next year will be played at Staples Center.

All this is predicated on Kobe being found not guilty. If it still seems unthinkable, or at least very unlikely, he would not be acquitted, it must be considered that a month ago it would have been unthinkable to most that Kobe would have a one-night tryst with a 19-year-old employee in a hotel.

So often you think you know your neighbor, your co-worker, your hairdresser, only to be shocked by some revelation from their private life.

Kobe was so admired, so well-liked, that it is a struggle for most to believe he could be guilty of a horrid crime like rape. There is almost a personal investment by people into his golden image, and it is difficult to give up an investment, even when it is going down.

As Kobe tried to remind us Friday, he is only a man, and the ultimate guilt or innocence of this 24-year-old man will be determined by 12 men and women in Colorado.

The Lakers will move on as best they can, which still figures to be rather well. Even if Kobe were to announce tomorrow he would not play basketball again until his charges were resolved, the Lakers still would be favored to win the title with Malone, Payton, Shaquille O'Neal and two tomatoes.

Payton comes with his own baggage. It was announced in Toronto on Friday that police have upgraded a prior charge against Payton and two his former Milwaukee teammates to assault causing bodily harm. That one stems from a fight outside a club after closing time. The news was totally obscured Friday by Kobe.

It will be that way for some time as a star player, a team and a city collect their breath.