Kobe Bryant Movie About His Chaotic 1996 Draft Day & Beef w/ New Jersey Nets Is In The Works

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant Movie About His Chaotic 1996 Draft Day & Beef w/ New Jersey Nets Is In The Works

A new Kobe Bryant movie is headed into production and will shed fresh light on the drama that unfolded during his 1996 NBA Draft.

According to reports, Warner Bros. has acquired the rights to the film, tentatively titled “With the 8th Pick?” The story is based on the true events of how the New Jersey Nets, who held the No. 8 overall pick, ultimately passed on Bryant under pressure, paving the way for his legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, the film will dive into the behind-the-scenes tension that led to the missed opportunity. Then-head coach John Calipari was reportedly set on drafting Bryant, even meeting with his parents over dinner the night before the draft.

However, Bryant’s agent, Arn Tellem, allegedly called Nets GM John Nash and made it clear that Kobe would rather play in Italy than suit up for the Nets.

The team pivoted and selected Kerry Kittles at No. 8 instead. Bryant was picked 13th by the Charlotte Hornets, who then traded him to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. From there, he went on to become one of the most iconic players in NBA history, earning 18 All-Star selections and the 2008 league MVP. He retired in 2016 after 20 seasons with the Lakers and tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020.

Are you excited to see Kobe’s draft day story brought to life on the big screen?