Editor’s Note: A new series “Kobe: The Making of a Legend” traces the story of Kobe Bryant from his childhood in Italy to his athletic superstardom and provides an intimate look at his post ...

Raphael Saadiq, from left, Kobe Bryant, and Common attend the 90th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Danny ...

The “sustained excellence” take is spot-on. Bryant essentially had two Hall-of-Fame careers rolled into one. Fans saw the Afro Kobe with a number 8 jersey tear the league alongside Shaquille O ...