Kobe Bryant's Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Memorabilia Denied by Judge

Kobe Bryant's motion to dismiss a lawsuit concerning the potential sale of his basketball memorabilia by his mother has been denied by a federal judge, according to the Courier-Post (subscription required).

The report notes that the motion has not only been denied, but the trial will also take place in Camden County, New Jersey (Bryant was hoping to move the trial to California).   

A lawsuit has been filed against Bryant by Goldin Auctions of West Berlin in an attempt to keep him from interfering with the possible sale of approximately 100 items ranging from his high school days in Philadelphia to his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers. His mother, Pamela, claims the items belong to her.

Bryant tweeted in early May:

It's certainly an ugly state of affairs. When you are in a legal battle with your own mother, that's when you know relations have soured.

This, of course, isn't exactly a new trend. We've seen battles over money or assets between athletes and family members throughout the years. When money is involved, anything goes.

Bryant just finished up his 17th season with the Lakers. The 34-year-old star suffered a torn Achilles' tendon just before the playoffs this season, watching his club eventually fall in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs. 

There has been some speculation that Bryant will retire this summer after the injury, but he has said that is not the case.