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Key Points

Warner Bros is developing a movie about Kobe Bryant's 1996 NBA Draft experience. The film will focus on how Bryant was drafted 13th by Charlotte but immediately traded to the Lakers. Titled 'With the 8th Pick?', it explores how the Nets nearly selected Bryant at number eight. The project is described as being in the spirit of successful sports dramas like Moneyball and Air.

Key Points: Warner Bros Developing Kobe Bryant 1996 NBA Draft Movie

  • Film focuses on Kobe Bryant's 1996 draft journey to Lakers
  • Written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen titled 'With the 8th Pick?'
  • Warner Bros beat other studios to secure the project
  • Story involves Nets' near-miss drafting Bryant at 8th pick
  • Compares to Moneyball and Air sports drama films
  • Covers trade from Hornets to Lakers for Vlade Divac
2 min read

Kobe Bryant movie in the works at Warner Bros

Warner Bros secures script about Kobe Bryant's dramatic 1996 draft journey to Lakers, beating other studios for this basketball biopic project.

"The studio has bought a script that focuses on the dramatic events of the 1996 NBA Draft - Variety"

Washington, DC, August 23

A movie on late basketball legend Kobe Bryant is now in development at Warner Bros. Pictures, Variety reported.

The studio has bought a script that focuses on the dramatic events of the 1996 NBA Draft, when Bryant's journey to the Los Angeles Lakers began.

According to the publication, the film, tentatively titled 'With the 8th Pick?,' is written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen. Sources say Warner Bros. moved quickly to secure the script, beating out other studios and streamers who had shown interest.

While Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick, he was immediately traded to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. The title refers to the New Jersey Nets, who had the eighth pick that year. Their general manager wanted to choose Bryant, but head coach John Calipari pushed for a different direction.

Insiders have described the upcoming movie as being in the spirit of Moneyball and Air, which told the story of Nike signing a rookie Michael Jordan. Warner Bros. has not commented on the project yet.

Bryant went on to spend 20 seasons with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships and becoming one of the most celebrated players in basketball history. He retired from professional basketball in 2016 at the age of 37.

In 2020, Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people killed when a helicopter they were travelling in crashed amid foggy conditions and burst into flames in the hills above Calabasas.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 1996 draft story is fascinating! Imagine how different NBA history would be if the Nets had picked him. Looking forward to seeing this behind-the-scenes drama unfold on screen.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the tribute, I hope they focus more on his basketball journey than the tragic ending. His career deserves to be celebrated properly without overshadowing with the tragedy.
A
Ananya R
Kobe's visits to India and his basketball clinics here made such an impact. He was truly a global icon. Hope the movie captures his international influence beyond just American basketball.
S
Sarah B
The comparison to Moneyball and Air has me excited! Those were brilliant sports dramas. If they can capture that same energy and storytelling quality, this could be something special.
V
Vikram M
️ I still remember watching Kobe's final game with friends at 4 AM Indian time. The man was pure magic on court. Hope the casting is perfect - nobody can replace Kobe but hope they find someone who can capture his intensity.

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