Dear Basketball is a short animated film directed by Glen Keane and written by NBA legend Kobe Bryant, based on his retirement letter published in The Players' Tribune. The film beautifully captures Kobe’s love for the game, from childhood dreams to professional triumphs, and his heartfelt goodbye to basketball. With elegant hand-drawn animation and a moving score, Dear Basketball is a touching tribute to dedication, dreams, and letting go.
Did You Know?
Kobe Bryant became the first professional athlete to win an Academy Award when Dear Basketball won Best Animated Short Film.
Animation legend Glen Keane, known for his work on Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, brought Kobe’s story to life with expressive, traditional animation.
The musical score was composed by Oscar-winning composer John Williams, adding emotional depth and grandeur to the short.
The entire film was hand-drawn, emphasizing a personal, intimate feel that mirrored Kobe’s emotional journey.
Dear Basketball was praised not only by sports fans but also by the film and animation community for its artistry and heartfelt storytelling.
Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time:
Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
