A Kobe Bryant Documentary Is In The Works
ESPN’s 10-part Michael Jordan documentary, ‘The Last Dance’, became a highly entertaining series wherein fans had the opportunity to marvel about the incredible run of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The documentary also sparks curiosity and interest about the possibility of releasing another documentary which is centered around another all-time great—Kobe Bryant.
In the wake of Kobe’s tragic death, fans believe a documentary centered around the five-time NBA champion would be perfect for honoring and revisiting his legendary basketball career. But make no mistake, a Kobe Bryant documentary may actually be on its way.
Based on a report by ESPN, camera crews had the chance to capture some of Kobe’s best moments, particularly in his final season where an increased and bigger number of camera crews were present to film Kobe’s farewell tour, including his legendary 60-point game in his final NBA game.
Per ESPN:
Bryant’s camera crew, several Lakers staffers from that season said, had unparalleled access in locker rooms both at home and on the road, in the training room, throughout the team’s practice facility and even on the team’s charter plane.
“They had unprecedented and, by far, greater access than anyone else ever,” said John Black, who led the Lakers’ public relations department for 27 years, last serving as vice president. “We certainly allowed them to do everything we could within what the league would allow, and sometimes, with a wink and look-the-other-way, allowed them even more.
Sources close to the matter told ESPN that the footage had been in the editing stages for a potential documentary to be released years from now — thought it is unclear when exactly that would be — and that Bryant had seen edited material and provided feedback in the months leading up to his death. It is unlikely those plans have changed, the sources said.
Aside from Kobe’s final season, where more crews were in attendance, it is still unknown which parts or moments of Kobe’s career will be part of the documentary. It is reasonable to believe that a lot of fans want to relieve the electrifying one-two punch of Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal Lakers that featured three championships. The 2006 scoring barrage of Kobe and the moments behind the back-to-back championship years would be enthralling, too.
But regardless of how they will put it together, this Kobe Bryant documentary would bring up a lot of emotions, just like ‘The Last Dance’, or quite possibly even more. It would be one heck of a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions for a lot of basketball fans.