Kobe Bryant's Family Had This Request For Shaq Documentary

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Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The director of the documentary wanted to be respectful to Kobe and his family.

Kobe Bryant and Shaq have a very interesting history. The two went through plenty of ups and downs, especially toward the end of their time together in Los Angeles. Ultimately, they will be remembered for winning a whopping three titles in a row during the early 2000s.

Shaq Documentary

Tomorrow, HBO will begin releasing its four-part docuseries on the life and career of Shaquille O'Neal. Fans are very excited to watch this new documentary, and it is assumed that Kobe will be making some appearances throughout. However, Kobe has passed away, which makes it a bit more difficult to provide coverage.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal shake hands at halftime after both of Bryant's #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Recently, the director of the documentary, Robert Alexander, sat down with Rich Eisen to speak about making the new project. Additionally, he touched on the Kobe parts of the documentary. As he explained, Kobe's family wanted to reduce the amount of Kobe Bryant-related scenes. Eventually, Alexander and Shaq obliged out of respect.

Kobe Bryant & Shaq

"But to be transparent, we also got to a point where we had a certain amount of their story in the film," Alexander said. "Kobe's family essentially requested that we reduce the amount of Kobe we have in the film.

"I'm not totally sure, but out of respect for their wishes we did it, we went ahead and we complied... So I'm very proud of what we ended up with, as far as the amount of Kobe content that we have, that relates to Shaq's story, but at the end of the day it's a Shaq film."

It makes sense that his family would make a request like this given everything that has gone on. Kobe is no longer around to explain himself, and it's better for all sides if the documentary remains focused on Shaq.

Let us know what you expect from this documentary, in the comments below.

[Via]

About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
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