The script is described by insiders as ‘Moneyball’ meets ‘Air.’
According to Variety, the project from screenwriters Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen had attracted the interest of several studios. Instead of dealing with a potential auction, the studio optioned to pick up the script, which has been tentatively titled “With The 8th Pick,” although Bryant was actually taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick.
As the story regarding Bryant’s draft night goes, the Hornets traded Bryant’s draft rights to the Lakers in exchange for center Vlade Divac, however, then-New Jersey Nets General Manager John Nash has expressed that he intended to draft the future Hall of Famer with the 8th pick, but was overruled by current University of Arkansas head basketball coach John Calipari.
The script is described by insiders as “Moneyball” meets “Air,” the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon picture that details how Nike courted the player Bryant patterned much of his game after, His Airness, Michael Jordan.
“Air” details the competing negotiations of Jordan’s rookie season in 1984, when he almost signed with another shoe company, but instead he chose Nike and transformed that shoe brand and pop culture in the process.
According to Variety, when they asked representatives of Warner Bros. about the project, they didn’t give a comment.
“This is an urgent time to say NO to toxic and violent behavior against women, the petition said in an effort to call on organizers of the Animation Is Film Festival to distance themselves from Bryant.
Kobe, as he had done in the past, declined to discuss the sexual assault case, only remarking that he was “disappointed” and wanted to focus on creating “diverse stories, characters and leadership” through which he hoped to change the world.
RELATED CONTENT: Upper Deck Basketball Card Featuring Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Expected To Auction For Over $6M
Source: Black Enterprise
