On Saturday, CNN released a new documentary titled “Kobe: The Making Of A Legend,” where friends, colleagues, and family reflected on the impact of Bryant’s life and the pain that continues to linger following his untimely death. His assistant, Elissa Grabow, recounted the moment she was made aware of the news and reached out to his close friend, Tracy McGrady.
“I went numb,” she shared. “He was crying. He said, ‘I can’t talk.’” McGrady added feeling intense pain after learning of Kobe’s death, “I cried all day, all night. I couldn’t believe it… not Kob… not Kobe.”
Trace the story of one of the greatest players of all time, from his childhood in Italy to athletic superstardom. "Kobe: The Making of a Legend" three-part series premieres Saturday at 9p ET/PT on CNN. pic.twitter.com/YxCnVpbZiB
— CNN Original Series (@CNNOriginals) January 22, 2025
Additionally, sports journalist Scoop Jackson also explained how difficult it was to break the news to his children since they had a special relationship with Bryant.
“Kobe had a very, very, very special relationship with my kids,” Jackson explained. “The thing that got me, that was hardest for me, was telling them. Yeah, I’ve done some hard sh*t in my life, but that was one of the most difficult ones.”
As we reflect on Kobe’s enduring legacy, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently issued a heartfelt message saying, “Kobe Bryant continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring and current NBA and WNBA players, young athletes playing at all levels, and those who are motivated solely by his relentless pursuit of excellence. Our thoughts today are with Vanessa and the Bryant family as we remember Kobe and their daughter, Gianna, with whom he shared a special bond around a profound love of the game of basketball.”
Nonetheless, Bryant’s passing was a major hit to the sports world and beyond. At the time of his death, Bryant was just four years into retirement, leaving behind an impressive legacy that included five NBA championships that spanned over his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
One of the most memorable things about Bryant was his relentless work ethic which was often referred to as “Mamba Mentality” that inspired many individuals around the world. But, as we enter the fifth year without the NBA legend, let’s celebrate and remember the lasting impact he has left on the world and within the sports industry.
The post Remembering Kobe Bryant: CNN Releases New Docuseries Highlighting the Late NBA Legend’s Life appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>The book, set to hit shelves on August 19, 2025, will pay tribute to the beloved basketball star and his daughter, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
The book will feature photos and images curated by Vanessa Bryant and renowned sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein, capturing the stories behind over 100 public murals created in their honor. These murals, located in Los Angeles and across the globe, celebrate Kobe’s contributions to basketball and Gianna’s passion for the sport, as well as their advocacy for women’s sports.
In a press release, Bryant described the book as a way to ensure that the tributes to Kobe and Gianna remain timeless. “Mamba & Mambacita Forever ensures that the murals of Kobe and Gianna Bryant will live on even after the most monumental murals themselves have all crumbled.”
The book’s release date is timed to coincide with “Kobe Bryant Day” on August 24—a day commemorating Kobe’s jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Sean McDonald, publisher of MCD Books, which is publishing the book, expressed his admiration for Vanessa’s dedication to honoring Kobe and Gianna’s memory. “The book that Vanessa Bryant has put together with Andy Bernstein…is more than a balm for the loss we all still feel. The book is truly beautiful, and it only proves how much Kobe and Gianna live on,” McDonald said.
Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Lakers, left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. Gianna, affectionately called “Gigi,” was following in her father’s footsteps, with aspirations of playing in the WNBA before their untimely passing.
Since their tragic deaths, Vanessa Bryant has devoted herself to honoring their legacies. She founded the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on creating sports programming and making a positive impact on children in sports, in memory of Kobe and Gianna.
In addition to Gianna, Vanessa is also the mother of three other daughters: Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, whom she shared with Kobe.
The post Vanessa Bryant to Release New Book Honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant: “Mamba & Mambacita Forever” appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>Video
She, alongside the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, donated Nike sneakers from the late Kobe Bryant’s signature line to kids impacted by the tragic fires. On Friday, footage circulated online showing Bryant and members of her late husband’s foundation handing out the goods at Dodger Stadium. The foundation also provided other essential items such as socks, offering a ray of hope to the families affected.
In a heartfelt social media post, Bryant revealed that she was personally impacted by the fires. The first home she and Kobe shared in Los Angeles was in the Palisades, the very area where the blazes started.
“Kob and I used to live in the Palisades when we first got married (sadly, that home was on the street where the initial fire started 
). We have so many beautiful memories from living in L.A.,” she wrote. “There are no words to make all the loss and devastation any better. My heart and prayers go out to everyone in LA who are affected by the fires. Our @mambamambacitasports is currently working to help the L.A. community. We love you, L.A. #LASTRONG #We LA! We Love you @baby2baby! less 
.”
Vanessa’s efforts align with a broader wave of celebrity support, including donations from Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, and others. Additionally, a benefit concert with performances from Billie Eilish, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga will take place on January 30 to aid those affected.
The post Vanessa Bryant and Mamba Foundation Donate Sneakers to Children Affected by the Wildfires [Video] appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>Video
Fan Duel’s flagship NBA show includes Michelle Bradley with former NBA players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons. On Tuesday, they spoke about the all-time NBA rankings and the conversation came up about where Bryant ranks. Parsons took a unique approach when he said he didn’t think Kobe was anywhere near the top three all time.
“I love Kobe, God rest his soul, but he’s not top-3 [all-time] in most people’s eyes,” Parsons said. “I would rank Kevin Durant above Kobe.”
A three-time six-man player of the year and a former teammate of Bryant, Williams couldn’t believe Parsons spoke for the general population when he said Bryant wouldn’t be known as a top three player of all time.
Durant is arguably the most gifted offensive player to ever play the game and it’s an argument. However, the impact and influence of players remain a recurring topic as generations continue to change. Parsons’ dismissal is what rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way.
The post Chandler Parsons Places Kevin Durant Higher than Kobe Bryant in All-Time Rankings [Video] appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>Fans of the Jordan Brand will have much to choose from. There is the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” releasing on January 11th and the Jordan Tatum 3 “6th Man,” which will arrive in stores on January 14th.
Kobe Bryant lovers are also in for a treat, with two colorways of his adored Nike Kobe 6 Protro sneaker on the way. In 2024, Nike saw a surge in demand for Bryant’s sneaker line. With 2025 marking the fifth year of his passing, it’s likely the company will experience another best-selling year, as fans of the Lakers star purchase his footwear as a way to remember both him and his daughter, Gigi. In January, footwear enthusiasts can expect to get the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” Eggplant on January 9th, with the gold and red hue on January 18th.
Several other notable releases, both for casual and athletic wear, will be coming out this month, offering something for every style taste. Here are just a few of our favorite ballerific footwear hitting the scene.
New Balance 1000 “Lunar New Year” – January 6 ($150)
Nike Air Force 1 Low “All-Star” – January 16 ($130)
Nike Zoom Vomero 5 GS “Valentine’s Day” 2025 – January 23 (price unknown)
Monopoly x Nike LeBron 22 “What The” – January 23 ($200)
Air Jordan 5 “Earth Metallic Gold” – January 22 ($200)
Nike Air Diamond Turf “Atlanta Falcons” 2025 – January 24 ($150)
The post Ballerific Footwear: January Sneaker Releases to Start Your 2025 Wardrobe Off Right appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>
This month is marked by highly anticipated drops from top brands like Adidas, Nike, and its Jordan Brand subsidiary. For example, one of the most exciting releases is the Nike Kobe 9 Elite High “Christmas.” The latest delivery in the brand’s Kobe Bryant collection, these basketball shoes are bright red with a camouflage sole.
Meanwhile, Adidas is set to launch limited-edition releases, including its collaboration with Bad Bunny. The Bad Bunny x adiZero SL 72 collection will drop on December 15th in three colorways: Tonal Off-White, Multi-Colored, and Brown and Orange.
Jordan Brand’s December lineup is also noteworthy. The Jordan Tatum 3 “Sidewalk Chalk” is perfect for basketball players and fans alike. These will debut on December 12th in the wavy Anthracite/Orange Pearl/Barely Green/Pale Ivory colorway.
No matter your style preferences, there is much to choose from for anyone needing gift ideas or wanting something for themselves.
The SoleFly x Air Jordan 12 “Cafecito” – December 6th ($225)
Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue” aka “Columbia” – December 14th ($230)
West NYC x adidas Gazelle Indoor “Wizard” – December 14th (price unknown)
The Air Jordan 12 “Blueberry” – December 18th ($210)
Nike Ja 2 “Tree Topper” – December 19th ($130)
The post Ballerific Footwear: December Sneaker Releases Adding Holiday Magic to Your Collection appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>
Video
In a recent conversation with Melissa Rivers, the “Family Matters” star shared that while he’s proud to have attended UCLA, he now believes he should have left sooner to continue his acting career.
“I love that I was accepted to UCLA. Of course, that’s a prestigious thing, but I do wish after two years I had dropped out,” White told Rivers.
According to White, he’s never been “degree checked,” and he views the college diploma as merely a tool to keep Americans financially strained.
“College was supposed to lead you to a better career. And for a lot of people in our country, it’s just leading them to a lot of debt. And that has to be figured out. I don’t know how it’s going to get figured out, what’s going to be the tipping point,” he explained. “For a person like me to have left college early would have been no different than Kobe Bryant leaving college early to go to the Lakers.”
White also shared that his mother was a key motivator in his decision to stay in college, even when he was ready to quit.
White joined “Family Matters” in 1989 and remained on the series until 1998, spanning nine seasons in total. In 1997, he won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Steve Urkel on the show. In 2001, White graduated from UCLA with a degree in film and television.
The post Jaleel White Admits He Should Have Dropped Out of UCLA, Says College Leads Many People to “A Lot of Debt” [Video] appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>From the triumphant return of iconic Nike Kobes such as the Kobe 4 and Kobe 8 in unforgettable colorways to brand-new creations, his legacy remains strong. As we sprint toward the year’s end, the excitement shifts gears from the court to the lifestyle scene with two Kobe-inspired Air Force 1s. While the crisp white colorway already has sneakerheads buzzing, official images of the sleek black alternate have just dropped, and they’re just as spectacular.
Limited to only 8,000 pairs, a nod to Kobe’s rookie jersey number, these kicks are a grail in the making. Each pair boasts premium black leather embossed with Kobe Bryant logos, a Lakers gold Swoosh outlined in purple, and custom backtabs flaunting an “8” and Kobe branding. Plus, there’s a tag on the insoles marking its exclusivity.
The black design is a fresh addition, while the white colorway throws it back to a legendary PE Kobe rocked during his sneaker-free-agent era in 2002-2003. Both pairs are dripping in history and Mamba spirit, making them must-haves for fans and collectors alike.
December 5th is the rumored release date, with a price tag of $150 on Nike SNKRS.
The post Ballerific Footwear: Kobe Bryant Air Force 1 Secures December Release Date appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>That is your house indeed; forever @DwyaneWade
pic.twitter.com/EC7h0K4oBZ
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2024
Last weekend, Wade and the world witnessed the unveiling of the bronze figure outside the Kaseya Center in Miami. Cameras captured Wade and his son, Zaire, locking eyes and attempting to hold in their laughter over the now-viral statue. When the former Miami Heat star took the podium, he playfully questioned, “Who is that guy?” which only fueled the social media chatter.
Some questioned why sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar León made Wade’s face look more like Lawrence Fishburne than the Hall of Famer. However, despite Wade poking fun at his own figure, he shared behind-the-scenes footage of the process, which showed him also assisting in the creative process. Even when speaking with the press, he stood by the monument.
“It don’t need to look like me. It’s the artistic version of a moment that happened that we’re trying to cement,” Wade stated.
While the bust has made for a funny conversation, the honor is still one of the highest that an athlete can receive. Even if they aren’t exactly look-alikes, these designs serve as monuments to the incredible careers of some of the world’s best athletes. Here are some of our favorites.
Ed Reed – NFL (Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills)
Michael Jordan – NBA (Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards)
The best statue in sports
The Michael Jordan statue (“The Spirit”) is available for public viewing in the United Center atrium!
Monday-Friday: 8 am to 6 pm CT
Weekends: 10 am to 6 pm CT pic.twitter.com/9SKD1FeBFR— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 16, 2021
Venus and Serena Williams – Tennis
This is awesome: Venus Williams poses with a statue of her and her sister Serena at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History
#thegist
(c/o @Venuseswilliams) pic.twitter.com/jyGm2SUII4
— The GIST USA (@thegistusa) November 19, 2021
Shaquille O’Neal – NBA ( Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics)
Immortalized. Congrats to Shaq for getting his own statue outside of Staples Center. pic.twitter.com/kVgJGyTTXs
— KicksOnFire (@kicksonfire) March 26, 2017
Kobe Bryant and daughter, Gigi – NBA and Little League (Los Angeles Lakers and Mamba Sports Academy)
The post From Dwyane Wade to Other Greats: A Round-Up of Athlete Statues That Honor Legends—Even if They Don’t Always Look Alike appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>The Lakers officially unveil Kobe Bryant’s second statue honoring Kobe & Gigi
@LADEig pic.twitter.com/pfEQHtIgOC
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) August 2, 2024
After the statue was revealed during the event, Wade examined the monument and questioned, “Who is that guy?”
More permanent than the
under the mat pic.twitter.com/Z6rPHKPNaa
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 27, 2024
The sculpture, created by Omri Amrany and Oscar León, who also crafted statues for Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, seemingly sought to honor Wade’s “This is my house” pose from a 2009 game-winning shot. Though the body of the figure may be intact, the face has left many puzzled. The peculiar head on the figure looks nothing like the iconic player, though social media had a field day with guessing who it actually resembles. Some users believed the sculpture was modeled after actor Laurence Fishburne, while others even claimed Samuel L. Jackson was the actual inspiration.
The @DwyaneWade statue looks like this
@NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/SsG7z0HjOD
— Commanders Declassified Podcast (@DeclassifiedWft) October 28, 2024
D Wade’s statue looks like a young Lawrence Fishburne…Bam has red lint in his hair…and my guy in the back is questioning if he should even be a Heat fan…what a catastrophe lol pic.twitter.com/DdxNjR3hin
— Benny The Jet (@PFflyerMarine89) October 28, 2024
That D Wade statue looks like Lawrence Fishburne pic.twitter.com/mLRDuPqsCe
— Mr. Morale and the Big Belly
(@napnate) October 27, 2024
No matter who or what the memorial favors, the overall consensus is that Wade deserves a do-over of his big moment.
The post Who Is That Guy?: Miami Heat Unveils Dwyane Wade Statue, Leaving Fans and the NBA Legend Puzzled [Video] appeared first on Baller Alert.]]>