BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Los Angeles Lakers late Legend Kobe Bryant, Slated for Release on the……. more details
The basketball world woke up to monumental news today. Netflix, the global streaming giant, confirmed the release of “The Underdog”, a new, highly anticipated documentary centered on the late Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. Scheduled for release later this year, the film is already being hailed as one of the most important sports documentaries of the decade. More than just a retelling of Kobe’s career, “The Underdog” promises to explore the man behind the myth, the struggles that defined his journey, the victories that immortalized him, and the legacy that continues to inspire millions worldwide even after his tragic passing in January 2020.
The announcement sent shockwaves across social media platforms. Hashtags like #TheUnderdog, #KobeBryant, and #MambaMentality immediately began trending globally, from Los Angeles to Manila, Lagos to Milan, and São Paulo to Beijing. For Lakers fans, NBA historians, and sports enthusiasts alike, the news was more than just another documentary drop—it was a cultural moment, a chance to revisit and honor a figure whose influence extended far beyond the court.
Chapter 1: Kobe Bryant’s Legacy—Beyond the Game
To understand why Netflix’s project has already sparked global anticipation, one must first revisit Kobe Bryant’s immense legacy. Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was a global icon, a father, an entrepreneur, a storyteller, and a mentor.
On the court, his resume was staggering:
5-time NBA Champion
2-time NBA Finals MVP
2008 NBA MVP
18-time NBA All-Star
2-time Olympic Gold Medalist
Fourth on the NBA all-time scoring list (at the time of his passing)
Off the court, he built the brand of the Mamba Mentality—a philosophy of relentless pursuit of greatness, resilience, and discipline that transcended sports. He inspired athletes in tennis, soccer, track, and even business leaders who adopted his mantra as a guiding principle.
Yet Kobe’s journey was not without struggle. Early career criticisms, public controversies, and the challenges of balancing stardom with personal growth made him an underdog in the truest sense. It is precisely this narrative that Netflix aims to capture in “The Underdog.”
Chapter 2: The Making of “The Underdog”—Netflix’s Vision
Netflix has established itself as a powerhouse in sports documentaries. From “The Last Dance” chronicling Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, to “Untold” digging into hidden sports stories, the platform has shown an uncanny ability to blend cinematic storytelling with historical authenticity.
According to early press releases, “The Underdog” has been in development for nearly four years, involving collaboration with:
Kobe’s estate, with permission from Vanessa Bryant
Former Lakers teammates including Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, and Derek Fisher
NBA legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Allen Iverson
Journalists, coaches, and sports psychologists who closely followed Kobe’s journey
The film reportedly includes never-before-seen home footage, locker room conversations, and personal notes from Kobe’s journals that were provided by the Bryant family. This access alone makes the documentary an unprecedented look into the psyche of a man who lived and breathed competition.
Chapter 3: Inside the Documentary—A Deep Dive into Kobe’s Life
Netflix has hinted that “The Underdog” will follow a chronological narrative, beginning with Kobe’s childhood in Italy, where he learned the fundamentals of basketball under his father’s guidance, before tracing his return to the U.S. as a teenager.
Early Life & Struggles
Born in Philadelphia in 1978, Kobe spent much of his youth in Italy, where his father Joe “Jellybean” Bryant played professional basketball. His early years were marked by cultural adjustments and linguistic challenges. In school, Kobe was often quiet and introverted, but his outlet was basketball.
NBA Draft & Lakers Journey
In 1996, as a 17-year-old high school phenom, Kobe entered the NBA Draft, and after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets, he landed with the Los Angeles Lakers. At first, he was doubted—too young, too cocky, too inexperienced. The 1997 Slam Dunk Contest win gave him attention, but it was years before he became the franchise cornerstone.
Championship Years with Shaquille O’Neal
The early 2000s defined Kobe’s emergence. Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers dominated the NBA, winning three consecutive championships (2000, 2001, 2002). Yet the partnership was turbulent, with egos and clashes threatening the dynasty.
The Rivalries, Setbacks, and “81 Points”
After Shaq’s departure, critics doubted Kobe could win without him. He responded by scoring 81 points in a single game in 2006—the second-highest in NBA history. This stretch in his career embodied the “underdog” narrative: doubted, scrutinized, yet always rising.
The Mamba Mentality
Kobe’s philosophy crystallized into what he called the Mamba Mentality—a state of relentless focus and self-belief. It wasn’t about talent; it was about mindset. Netflix will dedicate an entire section of the documentary to how Kobe’s philosophy influenced athletes across the world.
Retirement & New Beginnings
In 2016, Kobe retired with a 60-point game in his final NBA appearance—a performance that will forever remain legendary. Retirement didn’t slow him down. He founded Granity Studios, authored children’s books, mentored rising stars, and even won an Academy Award in 2018 for his animated short film “Dear Basketball.”
The Tragic Helicopter Crash
No Kobe story can be told without acknowledging the devastating tragedy of January 26, 2020, when Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The documentary will revisit this painful chapter delicately, emphasizing the global mourning that followed.
Chapter 4: Unseen Footage & Exclusive Interviews
Netflix has teased unprecedented access. Among the highlights:
Kobe’s unreleased training sessions with his daughter Gianna.
Behind-the-scenes footage from Lakers championships.
Heartfelt interviews with Vanessa Bryant, sharing Kobe as a husband and father.
Testimonials from rising stars like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker, who credit Kobe as their mentor.
This promise of raw, unseen footage is one of the driving forces behind the documentary’s hype.
Chapter 5: Why the Title “The Underdog” Matters
At first glance, calling Kobe an underdog might seem counterintuitive—after all, he was one of the greatest to ever play. But the title reflects the battles he faced:
An outsider in his youth.
Criticized early in his NBA career.
Questioned after Shaq left.
Written off after injuries.
Even in retirement, proving himself as a creative visionary beyond sports.
The title repositions
Kobe not as a superstar, but as a fighter—a man who always had to prove himself, even when he stood on top of the world.