Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant’s Life to Be Made into Film

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers, 18-time All-Star, 2008 regular-season MVP, and 2009–2010 Finals MVP, also won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team in 2008 and 2012. His death left fans around the world in mourning.

According to Variety, Warner Bros. Pictures will produce the film, which will focus on Bryant’s high school years and his direct entry into the NBA. Despite being considered a risky pick by many teams at the time, Bryant was initially expected to be selected eighth. However, the Nets withdrew their pick at the last minute, and Bryant was drafted 13th by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Lakers.

The story will be told from the perspectives of New Jersey Nets General Manager John Nash and then-rookie head coach John Calipari, exploring the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped Bryant’s early career. Nash had recognized Bryant’s star potential years earlier and made significant efforts to bring him to the team.

The film, codenamed With the 8th Pick, will be written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, with NFL star Tom Brady among the producers. The director has not yet been confirmed.