CNN to Premiere Kobe Bryant Series 'Kobe: The Making of a Legend' on January 25

A three-part original series documenting the early life of late Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is coming to CNN.

Kobe: The Making of a Legend "highlights the early foundation" of Bryant's career by providing insight into his childhood and teenage years, according to a CNN press release.

The show is set to air on three Saturdays beginning Jan. 25. The release coincides with the five-year anniversary of Bryant's death at age 41 in a helicopter crash.

The series features interviews of Bryant's friends and teammates during his childhood in Italy. Bryant moved to the country at age six when his father, former NBA forward Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, signed with a pro team in Rieti.

The show will also bring in Bryant's coaches, teachers and teammates to discuss his time at Lower Merion High School in the Philadelphia area. Bryant was named the Pennsylvania Player of the Year during his junior season at Lower Merion and headed directly into the 1996 NBA draft after his senior year.

The documentary will also share interviews with star athletes including New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson as well as Hall of Famers Tracy McGrady and Sheryl Swoopes.

Longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, who worked with Bryant during each of his 20 seasons with the team, will also be featured in the series.

Bryant made his Lakers and NBA debut in October 1996. He went on to become one of the most decorated players of all time over the next two decades, retiring in 2016 with five NBA titles and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

The first episode of Kobe: The Making of a Legend will air at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 25, and become available on demand the following day.