New Kobe Bryant Biopic Aims to Capture Lakers Legend’s Rise to Stardom
A new biopic is on the horizon, and this one will be focused on Kobe Bryant.
Variety announced on Friday (August 22) that Warner Bros. acquired a spec script based on the life of Bryant and how he joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
One source shared with the outlet that Warner Bros. had preempted an auction and snagged the script, tentatively titling the project, “With the 8th Pick?.” The project comes from screenwriters Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, with Star Thrower and Religion Of Sports producing the project.
The film is being described as "Moneyball” meets “Air,” according to insiders who are familiar with the script.
No word on casting or release date at this time.
Aside from the biopic in the works, Bryant’s legacy continues to be highlighted as Nike recently released a new ad for Nike’s Kobe 3 Protro featuring New York Knicks point guard and two-time NBA All-Star, Jalen Brunson, and Bryant’s oldest daughter, Natalia, BET reported.
In the ad, Brunson walks into a New York jewelry store looking for “something special.” The owner shows off rare pieces, but Brunson spots Natalia in the back polishing a clean, all-white Kobe 3 Protro. Curious, he asks, “What she’s working on.”
The owner replies, “Not sure that’s your speed. Gotta have that dog in you.”
When Brunson reaches for the sneaker, Natalia snaps it away with a sharp, “You reach, I teach.” She then puts him through a quick test, asking questions to see if he’s really worthy of the shoes. In the end, Brunson tells him he “might be ready, but I’m still not convinced,” before buzzing him out and buzzing in Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 player in the class of 2025.
The spot channels the energy of Nike’s classic sneaker campaigns, being creative, playful, and rooted in culture.
According to ESPN, the sneakers bring back the Kobe 3 Protro, the model Kobe wore during his 2007-08 MVP season.
“They're designed for the modern game while also paying tribute to Kobe's legacy, according to Nike. The reintroduction is the most extensive Kobe Protro effort by Nike to date.”
ESPN notes that the shoes feature new “diamond shapes on the upper and the outside in honor of Natalia, whose middle name is Diamanté.”
