When a professional basketball player is accused of sexual assault, he hires one of L.A.'s most successful female lawyers. That's when the legal maneuvering begins in Century City, a new two-character play by Mark Lee opening at Off-Broadway's WPA Theatre, Jan. 14, for a run through Jan 24. Lee's previous plays include California Dog Fight and Rebel Armies Deep Into Chad. His first novel, The Lost Tribe, will be published in May by Picador USA.

Starring in Century City are Ellen Parker (Classic Stage Company's Entertaining Mr. Sloane) and Marcus Giamatti (The Young Man From Atlanta). Giamatti replaces the previously announced Dennis Ryan (Moon Over Buffalo).

Constance Grappo, who staged On House at the WPA last season, returns to direct Century City. Her other credits include Andrea's Got Two Boyfriends (in Los Angeles) and a recent Hair at Connecticut Rep.

Designing Century City are Rob Odorisio (set), Matthew Frye (lighting), Tom Broecker (costumes) and Robert C. Cotnoir (sound).

Dennis Ryan has been replaced by Marcus Giamatti (Young Man From Atlanta)

Other plays produced at the WPA Theatre (over the past 21 years) include Nuts, The Freak, Little Shop Of Horrors and Gorey Stories. Kyle Renick serves as artistic director, Lori Sherman as managing director.

For tickets ($25) and information on Century City at the WPA Theatre, 519 West 23rd St., call (212) 206-0523.

-- By David Lefkowitz