A Kobe Bryant film is in the works at Warner Bros
In 1996, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player, who was sadly lost in a plane crash in 2020, was drafted into the NBA with the eighth pick.
The screenplay was written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johanssen, and prior to Warner Bros. acquiring the rights, the movie was receiving a lot of interest from other studios.
As of right now, the film has no director attached.
With the eighth choice, attention will reportedly be drawn to the New Jersey Nets and its general manager at the time, John Nash, who considered bringing Kobe out of high school.
The shooting guard was traded to the Lakers, where he would go on to win five NBA titles, after being selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th choice.
According to some, the movie is reminiscent of Moneyball, in which Brad Pitt portrayed baseball pioneer Billy Beane, and Air, a 2023 film starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon that chronicled the beginning of Michael Jordan’s illustrious collaboration with sportswear company Nike.
The crucial procedures that might have drastically altered the NBA’s history will be discussed in With the 8th Pick.
Kobe died in the plane crash at the age of 41, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Last year, his wife Vanessa erected a statue of the basketball legend outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ stadium.
Speaking with emotion, she stated: “It goes without saying that today is an especially sad day for us since Kobe and Gigi [Gianna] aren’t here for what should be an incredibly joyous moment and Kobe’s legacy.”
“From the beginning, Kobe has had a huge global following of supporters.” Not only is this moment for Kobe, but it’s also for all of you who have supported him throughout the years.
Kobe was really thrilled to represent this unique city, and he wanted to share it with the fans here in Los Angeles. He, his family, and his memory have benefited much from your warm welcome and unwavering support.
The statue, which will be one of three memorials honoring Kobe at the Crypto.com Arena, including one that shows him with Gianna, was approved by Kobe personally, Vanessa explained.
Just so you know, Kobe chose the posture you’re about to witness for the first statue, she joked. Therefore, if anyone has any problems with it, good luck. It is what it is.
“I see today’s current generation of star players following Kobe’s footsteps with huge scoring games,” Vanessa continued. He is still contributing to the game that was so meaningful to him, and I know he would be proud of it.
As she wrapped off her remarks, she quoted her husband: “Leave the game in a better state than when you found it, and when the time comes for you to leave, leave a legend.” That he did, too.
