Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that Los Angeles Lakers guard and eight-time NBA
All-Star Kobe Bryant will suit up as the cover athlete and spokesman for
NBA ‘07, due to hit stores in Fall 2006, exclusively for the PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system and PSP system.
Having just completed his 10th season with the Lakers, Bryant led the league
in scoring with 35.4 points per game and put up the second highest NBA single
game point total in history by scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors
on Jan. 22, 2006.

Drafted in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Bryant
made his official league debut at 18 years of age and has since solidified his
standing as one of the most explosive and clutch players in the game. During
his career Bryant has gained entry into the record books in numerous
categories, including being the youngest player to start an NBA All-Star Game
(1998), reach the 10,000 point mark (2003) and be named to the NBA’s All
Defensive Team (1999-2000). In addition to helping the Lakers win three
consecutive NBA championships from 2000-2002, Bryant has been selected eight
times as a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team and has earned
All-NBA Honors in each of the last eight seasons.

“Kobe Bryant has distinguished himself as one of the truly elite players
in the NBA and we are thrilled to have him represent NBA ‘07 as our newest
cover athlete,” said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports
product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “With his explosive
game and storied rise to the top of the NBA’s ranks, Bryant is a great
ambassador for NBA ‘07 and its unique gameplay-driven story mode ‘The Life:
Vol. 2.’”

NBA ‘07 builds upon the depth and authenticity introduced in last year’s
game by hitting the hardwood with new features, enhanced gameplay, and a
return to the immersive inside experience of life in the league. In Volume 2
of the acclaimed Life Mode, players not only continue to experience the ups
and downs of life in the NBA but will also delve further into team politics,
press conferences, endorsement deals, and the contentious relationship between
returning characters The Kid and Big W.

NBA ’07’s The Life Vol. 2 introduces the ability to play from the
perspectives of both The Kid and Big W at various stages, further building the
story of their rivalry and highlighting the glory and anguish of NBA stardom.
Additionally, players can challenge Big W and others for league MVP honors
based on overall skill progression and head-to-head match ups.

NBA ‘07 includes refined core gameplay elements including new mechanics
for stealing, passing, and shot selection as well as more intuitive Artificial
Intelligence (AI). Additionally, an all-new Open Shot Indicator provides a
visual gauge of the impact defense has on shot opportunities, and a new Power
Boarding System is now in place to offer a true 3D approach for players to
position themselves for rebounds.

NBA ‘07 features more than a dozen mini-games including favorites such as
21, Own the Court, and 3-Point Shootout. “Showtime Gameplay” returns,
providing players the opportunity to manage and balance a variety of game time
elements including temperamental crowds, eager teammates, and individual
basketball skills. With online access to compete in a variety of leagues and
tournaments, EyeToy(R) functionality, and an all-new soundtrack, NBA ‘07 is
prepared to deliver the most realistic professional basketball experience
available — on and off the courts.