Kobe Bryant movie: What to know about “With the 8th Pick”
‘With the 8th Pick’ explores Kobe Bryant’s dramatic NBA draft day. Credit: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
Warner Bros. Pictures is bringing the high-stakes drama of Kobe Bryant’s entry into the NBA to life with With the 8th Pick, a feature film based on the dramatic behind-the-scenes of the 1996 NBA Draft. This scripted thriller promises to spotlight pivotal decisions, financial intrigue, and the choices that shaped Bryant’s iconic journey to the Lakers, making it a must-watch for sports fans and cinema lovers alike.
The studio has acquired a spec script by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, centering on the gripping two weeks leading up to the 1996 draft. Variety reports that Warner Bros. moved quickly to secure the project, preempting potential studio bids.
Despite the title, Bryant was actually the 13th pick, not the eighth, which belonged to the Nets. Their GM, John Nash, wanted the Lakers legend, but was overruled by coach John Calipari.
Plot Focus: Draft-Day Negotiations and High Stakes
Unlike a standard biopic, With the 8th Pick hones in on a critical, tension-filled window: draft day. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Nash and Calipari, dramatizing the pressure, financial constraints, and Bryant’s preferred path toward Los Angeles, where his Adidas deal offered extra incentive.
This tight focus offers fresh angles often missed by broader synopses of Bryant’s career highs and mortal moments.
Tone and Style: “Air” Meets Moneyball
Insiders liken the film’s approach to “Air”, Ben Affleck’s recent Nike-Michael Jordan drama, and “Moneyball”, blending sweepstakes strategy with human ambition. Unlike Air, where Jordan remained offscreen, this project is expected to feature Kobe Bryant and his father Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, offering a more intimate portrayal.
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Behind the Scenes: Production Plans and Partnerships
Production will be handled by Tim and Trevor White of Star Thrower Entertainment (producers of King Richard), alongside Ryan Stowell and Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports, who previously directed Kobe Bryant’s Muse. No director or actors have been attached yet.
For now, the project remains early in development, with insiders noting that third-party partners are still speculative.
Why This Matters: Legacy, Drama, and Untold Narratives
Focusing on draft-day maneuvering allows a dramatic exploration of Kobe’s entry into the NBA beyond his storied 20-year career, five championships, 18 All-Star appearances, and MVP accolades included.
Moreover, the film may fill a void: the gap between Bryant’s legendary career and his tragic passing, a narrative rarely dramatized with depth and nuance.