A new film project about NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s path to the Los Angeles Lakers is officially in the works at Warner Bros.

Titled ‘With the 8th Pick,’ the screenplay was written on spec by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen. The story explores the intense decision-making process leading up to Bryant’s selection in the 1996 NBA Draft. Before Warner Bros. secured the project, it had attracted significant interest from multiple studios and streaming platforms. A director has not yet been announced.

The narrative centers on the New Jersey Nets and then-general manager John Nash, who owned the eighth overall pick and strongly considered drafting Bryant straight out of high school. Ultimately, Bryant was chosen by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick and immediately traded to the Lakers—a move that paved the way for him to become a five-time NBA champion and one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated icons.

Described as having the tone and energy of Moneyball, The Social Network, and Air—the recent Ben Affleck-directed film about Michael Jordan’s groundbreaking Nike deal—the project aims to capture the critical decisions that shaped the trajectory of the NBA and how close it all came to turning out differently.

Producers include Tim and Trevor White of Star Thrower Entertainment and Ryan Stowell of Religion of Sports, alongside Gotham Chopra, co-founder of Religion of Sports with Tom Brady and Michael Strahan.

Bryant went on to form part of the Lakers’ legendary dynasty alongside Shaquille O’Neal and head coach Phil Jackson. Tragically, he passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

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