Kobe Bryant isn't just the NBA 2K10 cover athlete, he also makes a good mermaid.
The daughters of the Los Angeles Lakers' star shooting guard - Natalia, 6 and Gianna, 3 - prefer that he play video games starring Disney princesses over those featuring daddy on the cover.
Bryant spilled the beans during a break from filming a commercial for the latest edition of 2K Games' best-selling basketball video game franchise, saying he's happy to oblige.
"They drag me in there - 'Daddy, come play the princess game!' I'm Ariel swimming through the grotto," he said. "But it's fun because you see how much your kids enjoy it."
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 video game debut.
It's a big technical leap from Double Dribble, the 1980s video basketball game he played as a kid.
"It's classic," Bryant said. "It's like the first one that you really sunk your teeth into, at least we did. We really got after that game."
He even remembers some of his moves from that game.
"If you go in that upper corner, that shot's money every time."
Bryant will be looking for more 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 team-mate 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."
APTN