A documentary chronicling Kobe Bryant’s final season may see the light of day in the future. Former Lakers Public Relations Head John Black confirmed reports of the existence of unreleased Kobe Bryant footage to ESPN. Black told the sports media outlet that the team allowed camera crews complete access during the Lakers legend’s final season.
“They had unprecedented and, by far, greater access than anyone else ever,” he said.
“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,” he added.
This news comes as ESPN airs the ten-part documentary series, The Last Dance. The Last Dance follows the story of Michael Jordan’s sixth and final championship run with the Chicago Bulls. Given Bryant’s admiration for Jordan, those who have seen both the documentary and the unreleased Bryant footage have noted that there are definitely similarities between the two icons.
“Just watching them and being able to view what the cameras were doing to [capture] Jordan’s pregame routine, I mean, it’s the same thing,” Former Lakers’ Assistant Athletic Trainer Marco Nunez said.
“Just flash forward … take out No. 23 with the Bulls and insert No. 24 with the Lakers. Yeah, I mean, it’s pretty much identical,” he added.
With the success of the Jordan led documentary, fans are hoping to see the same with Bryant. However, it may be years until there is a finished product.
