Submitted by: kirkland on Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 at 01:49 PM EST

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 PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) 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.

"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.

» Full story @ Yahoo