Warner Bros. Reportedly Developing Kobe Bryant Draft-Day Film

A new Kobe Bryant film is reportedly in the works

Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired a script based on the dramatic true story of the NBA legend joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Variety confirmed.

The project, written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, has been the subject of heavy interest across Hollywood. As of now, the movie is currently titled “With the 8th Pick?”

The title has sparked questions, considering that Bryant was not selected eighth in the 1996 NBA Draft but 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. He was then traded to the Lakers for veteran center Vlade Divac. The New Jersey Nets held the eighth pick that year, and former Nets general manager John Nash has publicly stated he wanted to draft Bryant at that spot, but head coach John Calipari vetoed the move.

Bryant’s story remains one of the most remarkable in NBA history. Over 20 seasons with the Lakers, he won five championships, was named league MVP in 2008, and earned 18 All-Star selections. After retiring in 2016, Bryant’s life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash in 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others.

His widow, Vanessa, has not yet commented on the forthcoming film.