Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Monday there will be a nine-part documentary on the franchise coming to Hulu in 2022:

It's official. #LakersDoc is coming to @Hulu in 2022. pic.twitter.com/VXcR2HCmmR

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 10, 2021

According to the release, the series will cover the past four decades of the Lakers starting with Jerry Buss purchasing the organization in 1979. It will include new interviews from 35 people within the organization, including the Buss family, Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

It will feature in-depth looks at the "Showtime" Lakers in the 1980s, the Kobe Bryant and Shaq years in the early 2000s as well as the most recent title won by LeBron James, Anthony Davis and more. 

Lakers' CEO Jeanie Buss discussed the upcoming doc featuring the run of success led by her father:

"When Dr. Buss bought the Lakers in 1979, he sat alone at center court of the Forum and thought of all the possibilities. But even in his wildest dreams, my father could not have imagined what the next decades would bring for our organization, our league and our city of Los Angeles. I am thrilled that the true story of the Lakers will finally be shared with the world—and that we are in such capable hands with Hulu and Antoine, a director whose storytelling I've admired for years."

The docuseries will be directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for his work on Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen. He also directed the Muhammad Ali documentary What's My Name?, which was produced by LeBron James' SpringHill Entertainment and won a Sports Emmy for outstanding long documentary. 

The Lakers project will look for more critical success while also trying to capitalize on the demand for sports documentaries following The Last Dance, the popular ESPN docuseries that covered Michael Jordan's career with the Chicago Bulls.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is collaborating with NBA YoungBoy and Rod Wave for a musical project, with proceeds going toward the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.

"It just merges basketball and music together," Leonard told reporters Tuesday of Culture Jam. "It's always been something on my mind that I wanted to do. It's just something that could uplift our community, and a portion of each stream is gonna go to the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation."

Kawhi is working on a music project with NBA Youngboy and Rod Wave

He says part of the proceeds will go to the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation

(via @BallySportWest)pic.twitter.com/84sLMjaz0R

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 5, 2021

The five-time All-Star also said the work for Culture Jam has been ongoing for the last six or seven months.

The Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation is named for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The name was changed to include a reference to Gianna after she and Kobe were among the nine people killed in a January 2020 helicopter crash.

The organization aims to "[create] positive impact for underserved athletes and young women in sports." Vanessa Bryant recently released a "Mambacita" line of clothing to honor Gianna and raise money and awareness for the foundation.

Los Angeles County said Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, has no "viable legal claims" in her case against the county after sheriff's department deputies took and shared photos of the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed the NBA legend, the couple's daughter Gianna and seven others.

Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today reported Monday the county wrote in court filings it took "corrective personnel actions" against Sheriff's Department deputies who allegedly shared the photos. Vanessa Bryant alleged four deputies had shared photos from the site.

Los Angeles County argued "showing an accident site photograph to one member of the public cannot constitute an invasion of Plaintiff's privacy."

"They were not publicly disseminated," the county said. "Plaintiff brought this lawsuit because she is concerned that photographs may be publicly disseminated. There is no legal basis for suing Defendants for hypothetical harm."

The county's filing added it "expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Bryant family for their loss" but denied any legal or civil responsibility.

"This case is not about that tragedy," the county said. "It is about accident site photographs."

In March, a judge allowed Vanessa Bryant to name the four deputies allegedly involved in sharing the photos—Joey Cruz, Rafael Mejia, Michael Russell and Raul Versales—as part of the updated lawsuit, which said the officers had engaged in "morbid gossip," per NBC Los Angeles.

The civil lawsuit was originally filed in September. Two other families have filed similar lawsuits regarding the crash-scene photos.

Bryant's attorney wrote in a filing last week their investigation is ongoing, with plans for "more than 40 depositions, forensic examinations of electronic devices and cloud-based storage accounts in the possession of Defendants and third parties, and expert reports and depositions," per Schrotenboer.

The initial lawsuit sought "damages for negligence, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress," and the updated filing said it wants the four deputies punished to "make an example of them to the community."

Vanessa Bryant announced the Mambacita clothing line will launch Saturday to honor Gianna Bryant on what would have been her 15th birthday.

"Happy birthday, Gigi! 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation," Vanessa wrote on Instagram.

Vanessa Bryant announces the launch of “Mambacita” clothing, releasing tomorrow on May 1st, what would’ve been Gigi’s 15th birthday.

100% of proceeds will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. pic.twitter.com/gqi3MtU5Fk

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 30, 2021

Gianna, her father—NBA legend Kobe Bryant—and seven other people were killed in a January 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

The Mamba Sports Academy, which was launched by Kobe in 2018, was rebranded to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation in February 2020 to honor the legacies of both members of the Bryant family.

The foundation aims to "fund programs in underserved communities" while remembering Kobe and Gianna, who was emerging as a basketball star in her own right, through "youth sports and charitable actions."

A Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey from his rookie season could sell for over $500,000 when it goes up for auction Monday, according to the auction company's founder. 

Per TMZ Sports, the No. 8 Los Angeles Lakers jersey that will be bid on is believed to be the earliest-known game-worn uniform from Bryant's debut 1996-97 season. 

Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions, which is selling the collector's item, told TMZ Sports he expects the bidding could net more than the record $570,000 paid for Michael Jordan's jersey from his last-ever NBA game with the Washington Wizards. 

The jersey was first worn by Bryant in a Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 8, 1996 at the Forum.

Bryant scored 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting with three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in a 110-86 win for the Lakers. 

Goldin Auctions told TMZ they have matched the jersey to at least four games that Bryant played during his rookie campaign. He also wore it for the team's official photo shoot before the season began. 

Bryant finished his debut NBA season averaging 7.6 points per game in 71 appearances. The Lakers finished 56-26 but lost to the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Semifinals. 

The Phoenix Suns have exceeded all expectations so far this season, but Devin Booker believes this is just the beginning. 

The two-time All-Star recently discussed his year and his plans going forward with ESPN's Malika Andrews:

Devin Booker tells ESPN that the Suns are not just looking to be a feel good story and make the first or second round of the playoffs: “We're trying to win it all.”
Our conversation on his Starting Five program, Chris Paul MVP, Kobe and more: pic.twitter.com/dH6XY2qRog

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) April 25, 2021

Phoenix entered Sunday with the second-best record in the NBA at 42-17, which should be enough to earn a playoff spot for the first time since 2010. 

"Keeping winning basketball games," the 24-year-old guard said of his expectations for what comes next. "Focus on winning, not winning just to make the playoffs, not winning just to get to the first round or second round. We're trying to win it all."

The Suns had been far from contenders during Booker's first five seasons in the league, but the mindset changed after adding point guard Chris Paul in the offseason. 

"I'm inspired by him in so many different ways," Booker said of Paul.

He also believes his veteran teammate should be a contender for the MVP award if the Suns continue to climb up the standings. Booker is the Suns' leading scorer at 25.1 points per game compared to just 16.0 per game from Paul, but it's the veteran who apparently has a greater overall impact.

"It's bigger than the numbers with Chris," Booker explained. "People have to understand, his effect isn't just his points and his assists. It's keeping people in line, leading every day. That alone should have him in the MVP conversation every single year."

Paul might not have ever won a title, but he has made the playoffs in each of the last 10 years with four different organizations and looks ready to continue the streak with a fifth team.

Booker has also gotten inspiration from another all-time great in Kobe Bryant.

An autograph during Bryant's final season led to Booker getting a tattoo on his arm that says: "Be Legendary." The Suns star said he is impacted by this "every single day."

"The days you don't feel like you have it, I look at my arm and see the tat and I'm like: 'Well, it's time to get it today. I don't care how you feel Book, you gotta be legendary today,'" he said.   

Booker said it's helped him both on and off the court as the Suns look to continue surprising people.  

Vanessa Bryant intimated two more drops of Kobe's Nike sneakers are on the way in an Instagram story Friday. 

Vanessa Bryant says there will be “2 more drops” of Kobe releases. pic.twitter.com/fJA9zraPPg

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 24, 2021

On April 21, Nike confirmed that Bryant's contract officially expired after his estate declined to renew. 

“Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers,” a Nike spokesman, Josh Benedek, said in a statement, per Kevin Draper of The New York Times. “He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”

At least two more pairs are on the way, however, and it's easy to imagine the demand will be as high as ever. 

"Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/13/21," Vanessa Bryant wrote on her Instagram Story earlier this month. "Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe. It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband’s product than any other signature shoe. My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products."

The last new pair of Bryant's signature shoes to hit the market were the Kobe 6 Grinch that released on December 24, 2020, at $190 retail. 

According to StockX, those are already trading for between $254-$520 with some pairs selling for as much as $1,000. 

It's unclear what the last two Nikes pairs could look like or when they'll be released. 

Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss discussed a wide range of topics on the latest episode of Showtime's All the Smoke released Thursday:

Buss described the emotional loss of Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

"The world lost somebody really special," she said. "... Just him as a friend and as a motivator and watching him as a father and a husband, he was a leader and he's irreplaceable." 

Late 2019 and early 2020 were difficult for Buss, who lost her mother, Kobe and a mentor in former commissioner David Stern all in a short period of time. She said it affected her mental wellness and she wasn't sleeping well during that time, especially when combined with the stress and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The season fortunately ended on a positive note for the Lakers as they were able to win the title behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Buss praised James' talent on the court but had more to say about his character. It was something he showed over the past year from his leadership on the team to the social justice activism off the court.

"He's the closest thing to a superhero that I've ever met, in that he's so powerful and strong and smart, but he does things for the good," Buss said of James.

She specifically noted LeBron's campaign to convert arenas into voting centers, which made a significant difference in helping people vote in NBA cities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His on-court ability was also an obvious plus for the Lakers as he helped bring home the first title since Buss became a controlling owner in 2013.

The 59-year-old has seen quite a bit in her career as an executive, including overseeing some of the most important moments in the NBA over the past few decades. On All the Smoke, she discussed some of the biggest moves that didn't happen in this stretch.

Bryant had strongly considered going to the Los Angeles Clippers at one point before re-signing with the Lakers.

"He loves challenges and that would have been a huge thing," Buss said. "I do think that was something that was very possible."

There was also a notable deal in 2011 that would have brought Chris Paul to the Lakers but it was eventually vetoed.

As Buss explained, the issue stemmed from the fact the New Orleans Hornets at the time were run by the NBA. The team's general manager agreed to the trade while the members of the board of governors were in a meeting, but he didn't have the authority to complete any deal.

"David Stern didn't reject the trade as commissioner," Buss said. "He rejected the trade as governor of the New Orleans team because he wasn't asked permission to OK the trade."

That deal could have extended the dynasty under Bryant but the Lakers instead struggled with six straight years without a playoff appearance. The squad finally found its way back on top with LeBron and it is once again a top contender to win a title in 2021.

With Nike not extending its contract with Kobe Bryant's estate, Anthony Davis will have to conserve his remaining sneakers. 

"It definitely hurts," Davis said of the news, per Mark Medina of USA Today. "It definitely makes me think about which Kobes I want to wear and which ones I want to keep as my personal possessions."

Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 but had a contract with Nike through this month. Nike let the deal expire, giving the Los Angeles Lakers legend's estate the ability to negotiate with other brands, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.

"Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike's deep connection to consumers," Nike said in a statement. "He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family."

After beginning his NBA career with Adidas, Bryant signed with Nike in 2003 and released numerous signature shoes over the next two decades.

Davis has been with Nike since entering the NBA in 2012.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry made NBA history Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

With a three-pointer in the fourth quarter, he dropped 30-plus points for the 11th straight game. In doing so, he surpassed the mark set by Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for players 33 or older.

ELEVEN straight games with 3⃣0⃣+ points

Nobody age 33 or older has done that in NBA history until now. pic.twitter.com/EVNR0j6iOj

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 20, 2021

Another record for @StephenCurry30 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WvmKP7L815

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 20, 2021

Having missed all but five games in 2019-20 and with the Warriors' dynasty likely over, this season has to some extent been a referendum on whether Curry could be a singular star in the LeBron James/Michael Jordan mold.

In January, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard posited how Curry would find life much more difficult with opposing defenses able to center their game plans on him in a way they couldn't during Golden State's dominant run.

Curry has responded by averaging a career-high 31.0 points per game entering Monday while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. If the Warriors were better than their 28-29 record, then he might be a stronger contender to collect a third MVP.

One silver lining of the franchise's downturn is that it has allowed fans to remember how much fun it is to watch Curry when he's at the top of his game.