Beyond the Glory

Kobe Bryant (2x8)

Air date: Apr 28, 2002

Some may wonder why someone as young as Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, 23, would have enough of a story at this juncture to dedicate to an hour documentary. But, that's precisely what makes this profile of Bryant compelling — his age, the problems it created with teammates and coaches as well as Byrant's willingness, despite being a high profile public figure, to guard his private life. Bryant's childhood was far from that of the average kid. Growing up the son of a NBA player, Bryant spent the first six years of his life in Philadelphia. But, when his father, Joe ""Jelly Bean"" Bryant signed a deal to play in the Italian League, Kobe and the family moved to Italy. This was the first time in his life that he had to adapt to a different environment, but it wouldn't be the last. For the next seven years, Bryant immersed himself into the new culture and language and in his favorite activity — playing basketball. After getting comfortable though, the Bryants were on the move aga