Kobe Bryant's Feud With Mom Has 'Torn' Family Apart

A family dispute brewing between Los Angeles Laker star Kobe Bryant and his mom over basketball memorabilia is tearing the family apart, according to a report in the Orange County Register.

On Monday Federal Judge Andrew J. Guilford practically "begged" lawyers to come to some sort of agreement instead of trying the case in his Santa Ana courtroom, suggesting private arbitration, the newspaper reported. Guilford also asked if the case was a publicity stunt for the auction.

"Your Honor, it's the farthest thing from that," Mark Campbell, Kobe Bryant's attorney told the judge, according to the Register's report. "The family has been torn apart by this."

According to the Register, Pamela Bryant was paid $450,000 for her son's basketball memorabilia which she allegedly sold to Goldin Auctions LLC without his permission. Kobe Bryant, who lives in Newport Coast, filed a lawsuit against the auctioneer on May 6, the Register reported.

Guilford signed a temporary restraining order last week which halted the sale of any of the memorabilia items in question.

A hearing was expected to be held today before a federal judge in Camden, N.J., which will help decide if the case will be heard in California or sent to New Jersey.

Read the full story at the Orange County Register.

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