We all remember where we were when Kobe Bryant died in 2020; it was shocking news that remains etched in our memories. Since then, numerous stories have surfaced about him, both on and off the basketball court. If you’re a Kobe fan curious about all facets of his life, director Jerry Bembry has crafted a documentary just for you: Eight on Eight.
Eight on Eight features eight ordinary individuals recounting the profound impact Bryant had on their lives. These personal anecdotes highlight their direct interactions with the NBA Hall of Famer and the inspiration they drew from him. Produced by Andscape, the Black content studio from Disney and ESPN, this film is inspired by Bembry’s 2021 long-form piece, Eight on Eight: A collection of stories of Kobe Bryant’s impact on everyday people.
Kobe Bryant connected with many who never met him due to his greatness, playing style, and frequent NBA Finals appearances. He was often regarded as the nearest equivalent to Michael Jordan. In Eight on Eight, we hear from people who personally met Bryant and witnessed his acts of generosity and kindness. While many pro athletes engage in charitable work, Bembry emphasizes moments when Bryant went above and beyond, often without the benefit of cameras capturing the moments.
Documenting the lives of celebrities, especially athletes, presents unique challenges. Bryant’s fame began in his teenage years, leading to constant documentation of his life as he transitioned from high school to the NBA after being acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a 1996 draft-night trade orchestrated by Jerry West, one of the most transformative deals in league history. Bembry uncovers examples of Bryant’s willingness to connect with individuals outside the realm of his stardom, offering a distinctive and insightful perspective in this feature.
Cabral “Cabbie” Richards, a Toronto sports broadcasting personality known for his humorous interviews, is a standout figure in Eight on Eight. He reflects on how Bryant played a crucial role in his career establishment, and the clips featured are enjoyable, showcasing Richards’ genuine admiration for Bryant. However, the documentary takes a somber turn when Richards shares his experience of flying in Bryant’s helicopter, making that moment poignant in light of the tragic crash that claimed nine lives, including Bryant’s.
Another compelling story recounts Bryant’s secret visit to a terminally ill 5-year-old boy named Kobe. This narrative is relayed by a Phoenix hospital staff member, Kristen O’Connor Hecht, who sought an autograph for the boy. However, Bryant did much more—he spent an hour with the child and his family, asking for nothing in return but to keep the visit private. Sadly, the boy, who suffered from a heart defect, passed away a week later; this touching story only came to light after Bryant’s death, as detailed in a New York Post article.
“I think what Kobe Bryant did for young Kobe in that moment, being able to play basketball with your hero, with your mom’s hero, if only for an hour of his life, he could be a normal kid,” Hecht shared.
Bembry succeeds in Eight on Eight by revealing a different side of Bryant. Known for his fierce competitiveness as a player, he later embraced a warmer image, supporting various causes, including women’s basketball. Through this documentary, Bembry curates stories that provide insight into who Kobe Bryant was as a person.
Eight on Eight is now available for streaming on ESPN+.
