'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The upcoming CNN documentary, Kobe: The Making of a Legend, explores the life of Kobe Bryant, both on and off the basketball court. It showcases how Bryant became an iconic figure in basketball history and came to be known as the Black Mamba.
Kobe and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash that took place in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020.
Kobe: The Making of a Legend is a three-part documentary series from CNN, which premieres on January 25, 2025, at 9 pm ET/PT.
The official synopsis of the show reads:
"‘Kobe: The Making of a Legend’ traces the story of Kobe Bryant from his childhood in Italy to his athletic stardom and provides an intimate look at his post-NBA aspirations as a storyteller and as a father."
Trending
Who was Kobe Bryant? Details explored
Kobe Bean Bryant, born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the widest-known names in the history of basketball. Growing up, he attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, and since high school, he received recognition for his basketball skills as a prep player.
The son of the former NBA player Joseph Washington "Jellybean" Bryant, Kobe partly grew up in Italy before he moved to the United States.
Bryant made a bold decision and declared for the 1996 NBA draft right out of high school. He was consequently named an All-Star in his second season as he was traded to the Lakers.
The upcoming CNN series captures his journey from high school as a basketball player, where he was a teenage rookie before he became a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant was known as the first guard in NBA history to play 20 seasons. Bryant has the third-highest number of All-Star designations with a total of 18. Furthermore, Bryant won the gold as part of the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic teams.
Bryant played with Shaquille O'Neal as teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. Bryant and O'Neal together led the team to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002.
What is Kobe: The Making of a Legend based on?
The CNN docuseries emphasizes the grit and determination that pushed Kobe to a pinnacle that defined his life. The episodes feature his friends and family, who provide valuable insights and anecdotes into his formative years.
The show's central theme is the narrative behind the alias of Black Mamba.
According to Delaware Online, former stars from the NBA, WNBA, and music industry, such as NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, NBA All-Star and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, WNBA Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, and the ex-head athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers, Gary Vitti, will feature in Kobe: The Making of a Legend episodes.
Eric Johnson, Executive Producer for CNN Original Series, shared in a public statement which read:
“Five years after his passing, we are honored to share the story of Kobe Bryant—arguably one of the greatest and most competitive professional athletes of all time. While his legendary career on the court is widely celebrated, this series explores some of the lesser-known dimensions of his life. We’re proud to present a deeper, more nuanced portrait of Kobe and the complicated journey that shaped his legacy.”
Catch all the details about the basketball superstar as the three-part docuseries, Kobe: The Making of a Legend, airs on CNN on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
