Warner Bros. Pictures has recently secured a screenplay that revolves around the true-life account of celebrated NBA star Kobe Bryant’s early days with the Los Angeles Lakers, as reported by The Bangin Beats.
The screenplay is the creation of writers Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen. The script, intriguingly titled “With the 8th Pick?”, garnered significant interest from various film studios and streaming platforms. According to a source speaking to The Bangin Beats, Warner Bros. stepped in decisively to acquire the script, avoiding a potential bidding war. The production will be handled by Star Thrower and Religion of Sports.
Interestingly, despite the script’s title, Kobe Bryant was actually selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, not the eighth. Shortly after, Bryant was traded to the Lakers in exchange for player Vlade Divac. At the time, the New Jersey Nets, under general manager John Nash, held the eighth pick. Nash has openly stated his intention to select Bryant, but he was vetoed by then-coach John Calipari.
Industry Buzz
Insiders who are familiar with the project have likened the script to a blend of “Moneyball” and “Air,” the latter being a recent film by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon which explores Nike’s efforts to sign Michael Jordan during his rookie season.
Warner Bros. has opted not to comment on the details of the film project.
Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career with the Lakers spanned two decades, during which he secured five NBA championships, including a notable three-peat, playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal under coach Phil Jackson. Bryant was an 18-time All-Star and was honored as the league’s MVP for the 2007-2008 season. He retired from basketball in 2016 when he was 37 years old. Tragically, Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, a calamity that also claimed the lives of his daughter Gianna and seven others.
The screenplay’s writers, Sohn and Johannsen, are represented by Verve Talent and Literary Agency. Sohn is additionally managed by Lit Entertainment Group, while Johannsen is with Gotham Group.
The news of the Kobe Bryant script was initially broken by The InSneider.
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