‘NBA 2K10′ cover athlete Kobe Bryant takes on princesses, LeBron James

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant talks ‘NBA 2K10′ video game

LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant isn’t just the “NBA 2K10″ cover athlete, he also makes a good mermaid.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ star shooting guard said during a break from filming a commercial for the latest edition of 2K Games’ best-selling basketball video game franchise that his daughters — Natalia, 6, and Gianna, 3 — prefer that he play video games starring Disney princesses over those featuring daddy on the cover. Bryant said he’s happy to oblige.

“I’m Ariel swimming through the grotto,” he said.

Bryant’s digital counterpart in “NBA 2K10″ may be just as fluid as the mermaid princess. That’s because developer Visual Concepts has added facial movement to the franchise, meaning Bryant’s signature scowl will make its debut in a video game. It’s a big technical leap from “Double Dribble,” the video basketball game he played as a kid.

“If you go in that upper corner,” he said, “that shot’s money every time.”

Bryant will be looking for money shots this Christmas when the Lakers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an anticipated battle pitting him against LeBron James, who succeeded Bryant as most valuable player last season, and former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who was traded to the Cavaliers earlier this summer. Bryant’s not worried about his opponents.

“I’m sure I’ll get up for that one come Christmas Day because it’s a big game — the two best teams that had the best record last year,” said Bryant. “We were second, so I’ll be up for that game … but in terms of that dynamic, with those two and myself, as I sit here now, it does nothing for me.”

Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson contributed to this report.

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