Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA '07 for PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation® Portable)

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® (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.

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® functionality, and an all-new soundtrack, NBA '07 is prepared to deliver the most realistic professional basketball experience available -- on and off the courts.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for NBA '07 is "E" for Everyone. For more information about ESRB visit www.esrb.org .

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION®3 system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at www.us.playstation.com .

NOTE: The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc.

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Ron Eagle, +1-858-824-5585, or ron_eagle@playstation.sony.com,
or Alex Armour, +1-858-824-4648, or alex_armour@playstation.sony.com, both of
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/