Warner Bros. Pictures is developing an exciting new film centered on the legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant, focusing on the dramatic events of the 1996 NBA Draft that marked the beginning of his iconic career. The film, tentatively titled With the 8th Pick?, is currently in pre-production and aims to bring to life the behind-the-scenes story of Kobe’s entry into the NBA. The script, penned by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, explores the tense negotiations and decisions that nearly altered Bryant’s path before it truly began. Warner Bros. swiftly acquired this script, narrowly beating several interested studios and streaming services to secure the project, which underscores Kobe Bryant's enduring legacy in sports and culture.

The film’s story highlights the complex draft day dynamics, focusing notably on the New Jersey Nets' eighth pick in the 1996 draft, a pivotal moment the title references. Although Bryant was actually selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for veteran player Vlade Divac. The Nets’ head coach at the time, John Calipari, famously vetoed the choice to draft Bryant, overruling the general manager’s intentions. This decision changed the course of NBA history, shaping both Bryant’s legendary career and the Lakers’ franchise future. Insiders categorize the film as a blend of Moneyball, The Social Network, and Air, incorporating elements of front-office strategy, high-stake negotiations, and "what-if" sports scenarios, framed around Bryant’s draft-day rise.

Producers Tim and Trevor White, known for their work on King Richard, are leading the project alongside Ryan Stowell and Gotham Chopra from Religion of Sports, who also directed the 2015 documentary Kobe Bryant’s Muse. The film is expected to explore not just Bryant’s draft but also the broader context including his personal preferences, such as his preference for the Lakers partly due to his Adidas sneaker deal that would be more lucrative in Los Angeles. Additionally, financial difficulties within the Nets organization at the time limited their ability to sign Bryant, adding depth to the drama surrounding the drafting decisions. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm the film's director or cast, leaving fans eager for further announcements.

Beyond the draft story, the movie pays homage to Bryant’s remarkable career and impact. Over two decades, Kobe Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers, was an 18-time All-Star, and secured an MVP award, cementing his place among basketball's greatest. The film deliberately chooses not to focus on the tragic 2020 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, instead spotlighting the beginning of his ascent. Speculation surrounds who might portray Kobe in the film, with actors like Michael B. Jordan, Mahershala Ali, and Leslie Odom Jr. being considered for the role due to their strong acting pedigrees and physical resemblance. The project is positioned to capture both the intensity of the NBA’s business side and Bryant’s enduring influence on and off the court.