Dear Basketball

After 20 years of playing basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the NBA. As a farewell, he wrote “Dear Basketball,” a poem that encompasses the personal journey of his physical and mental sacrifice to the sport he loved. Directed and animated by Disney veteran Glen Keane and scored by the legendary John Williams, this animated short film is the embodiment of the words of his poem — a visual piece brought to life with stunning brilliance. Narrated by Kobe himself, the film follows the journey of a young Kobe working towards and achieving his dream of playing for the Lakers, then showing the moment of acceptance to a new season of life after basketball. Kobe’s love letter to the game continues to capture the hearts of his fans and beyond. It won both the 2018 Academy Award® for Best Animated Short Film and the Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject at the 45th Annie Awards. After his untimely passing, “Dear Basketball” continues to be a beautiful tribute in remembering Kobe’s inspirational legacy.