Kobe Bryant documentary a slam dunk for Showtime

As Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant prepares for his much-anticipated return to the NBA next season, Showtime is set to air its original documentary Kobe Bryant’s Muse, an in-depth look into the life, inspirations, and challenges facing the athlete. The feature-length documentary will air in the fall and is directed by Gotham Chopra (Decoding Deepak, ESPN’s upcoming 30 For 30 film, The Little Master). Bryant himself is the executive producer.

“Kobe Bryant’s Muse will offer viewers a deep character portrait of a professional athlete who has transcended his sport to become a culture-moving personality,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President of Showtime Sports. “We are thrilled that Kobe has given us this unprecedented access, which will allow our viewers to witness such a challenging period of time in the life of one of the NBA’s greatest players.”

“As a lifelong Boston Celtics fan, never did I imagine I would collaborate with Laker great Kobe Bryant,” said Gotham Chopra. “Kobe’s quest for greatness transcends rivalries and I’m excited by his and Showtime’s willingness to go down this rabbit hole together. I’m confident audiences will be intrigued by what comes out the other side.”

According to Showtime’s description: The documentary will examine Bryant’s storied basketball career, detailing his mentorships, allies, and rivalries that have helped shape his 18-year tenure in the NBA. The ultimate competitor for nearly two decades, a 16-time All-Star and winner of five NBA championships, Bryant dominated professional basketball until a series of recent injuries threatened to abridge his career. With unbridled access to his daily experience, the film will reveal what makes Bryant tick and the life-long inspirations that have motivated him.