Warner Bros launches Kobe Bryant biopic about the 1996 NBA draft behind-the-scenes
December 22, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-115 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Warner Bros has acquired the rights to « With The 8th Pick », a biopic project focused on Kobe Bryant’s dramatic arrival in the NBA during the 1996 draft. The script, written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, had attracted interest from several studios and platforms before Warner outbid them to secure the project.
A Kobe Bryant biopic titled « With The 8th Pick » is officially in development at Warner Brothers 🎿
The movie details the dramatic draft-night saga around the Nets failed pursuit of drafting the Mamba 👀 pic.twitter.com/wGobnTbRz7
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) August 24, 2025
The film won’t focus on Bryant’s later triumphs, but on the draft process behind-the-scenes that could have changed NBA history. The plot follows John Nash, the New Jersey Nets general manager, who held the 8th draft pick and had seriously considered selecting the teenage phenomenon straight from high school.
A project between « Moneyball » and « Air »
The project is described as a mix between « Moneyball », « The Social Network » and « Air », with a thriller dimension. The story reveals the strategic calculations, risk assessments, and organizational politics that influenced one of sport’s most important draft nights.
Bryant was eventually selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac – a move that would define both franchises’ destiny. Nash later admitted he wanted Bryant but was overruled by his coach at the time, John Calipari.
Producers include Tim and Trevor White of Star Thrower Entertainment, along with Ryan Stowell and Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports. Chopra had previously directed the documentary « Kobe Bryant’s Muse » in 2015. No director is currently attached to the project.
Bryant played 20 seasons with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships including a three-peat in the early 2000s alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Phil Jackson. Named MVP of the 2007-2008 season and 18-time All-Star, he retired in 2016 at age 37. In January 2020, he tragically died in a helicopter crash with eight other passengers, including his daughter Gianna.
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