LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is "saddened" by the sexual assault charge filed against star guard Kobe Bryant, who has his full support.

Jackson has coached Bryant for the last four seasons with the Lakers. They won three consecutive NBA championships during that stretch.

"He has consistently demonstrated responsible behavior to me both on and off the basketball court,'' Jackson said in a statement issued Monday through his Chicago attorney Todd Musburger.

"I was saddened by the allegations against Kobe. Obviously, there are some difficult days ahead for the Bryant family. As his coach and mentor, he has my full support," he said.

Bryant was charged last Friday with a single count of felony sexual assault against a 19-year-old woman at an exclusive spa where he was staying when he went to Colorado for knee surgery.

If convicted, he faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000.

"Kobe is entitled to the presumption of innocence, a hallmark of our legal system, and judgment must occur within the Colorado courtrooms," Jackson said.

Bryant's lawyer, Pamela Mackey, said he will plead innocent.

Bryant proclaimed his innocence at a news conference Friday, where he held hands with his wife Vanessa.