The writer Rob Grabow has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Netflixthe producer LeBron James and others involved in the film’s production Rez Ball. Grabow alleges that the film, released in September after its presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival, shares multiple similarities with his script for The Gift of Game.
Both works revolve around high school basketball teams with Native American players competing for the state championship. Grabow claims that his creation, registered with the United States Copyright Office on January 25, 2024, was written in 2023 and sent to various contacts, some of whom have ties to the film’s co-author, Sterling Harjo.
The production of Rez Balldirected by Harjo and based on the book Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation of Michael Powelltook place in May 2023 in different locations in New Mexico, according to a statement from the state Film Office. The book documents the 2016-2017 season of the Chinle community basketball team in Arizona.
According to the lawsuit, Grabow shared his script in early 2024 with potential collaborators, some of whom decided not to get involved in the project. The writer argues that although Rez Ball completed its principal photography section before its script was shared, they could have been made significant changes in post-production.
“We don’t know for sure if principal photography was completed in May 2023, but the 16-month period until release allows enough time to make significant changes, such as edits, reshoots or reshoots,” his lawyer said. Devin McRae in a statement sent by email.
The lawsuit highlights a number of similarities between the two stories, including the climatic outcomes. Additionally, Grabow mentions that his written story was inspired by personal experiences in basketball and actingtelling the story of a team of players of diverse races led by a Native American star.
Beyond his role as producer of Rez BallLeBron recently spoke about his possible retirement from professional basketball. After the Lakers’ 128-123 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 13, the player, who will turn 40 in December, told reporters: “I’m not going to play much more, to be completely honest. One year, two years, whatever”.
James stressed that he does not want to continue in the league beyond his athletic limit. “I’m not going to be that guy who disrespects the game just because I want to be on the court,” he said. The current season has been historic for James, since he shared the court with his son Bronny Jamesbecoming the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
Bronny, who was drafted in April by the Lakers, alternates his participation between the main team and its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. According to the coach JJ Redickthis strategy has been planned from the beginning. “The plan for Bronny to move between the Lakers and South Bay has always been the same since day one. Rob (Pelinka) and I have discussed it. LeBron has also talked about it,” he noted in October.
LeBron’s son scored his first official points in the NBA on October 30 during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team where his father played 11 seasons and won a championship. In this way, it is hoped that in some way he can continue his father’s legacy.
