Eagle, Colo. ? When last seen in this small mountain town, Kobe Bryant spent seven minutes in court and uttered just two words. He returns today for an appearance that could be just as brief — but the two words he says might be a lot more significant.

Depending on what strategy his lawyers choose, Bryant could enter a plea of innocent today to the charge he sexually assaulted a hotel worker. If he does, it will begin the legal countdown to a celebrity trial the likes of which has not been seen since O.J. Simpson was tried on murder charges eight years ago.

Already, a media throng that includes former Simpson prosecutor Marcia Clark is in place for Bryant’s second appearance in two months in a courtroom before a judge used to dealing with more mundane matters like petty theft and drunken driving.

A gag order is in place for all participants in the case, but that hasn’t stopped some 300 television, print and radio types from gathering to report — and speculate — on what fate awaits Bryant.

Unlike Bryant’s first appearance, cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom.