LeBron James & Netflix Hit With New Lawsuit For Alleged Script Stealing

BY Caroline Fisher
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NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors
Nov 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures to a teammate during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. John E. Sokolowski / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Rob Grabow alleges that his script is eerily similar to “Rez Ball.”

A filmmaker recently hit LeBron James, his production company, and Netflix with a 25-page lawsuit. The filmmaker, Rob Grabow, accuses them of stealing one of his scripts for one of their new basketball films. According to TMZ, Grabow alleges that he wrote a script for a film called The Gift of the Game. Reportedly, it was about a Native American high school basketball player trying to carry his team to a state title.

Grabow describes it as "a powerful basketball film that deals with issues of community, race relations and poverty." He also alleges that he shared it with people close to Netflix, James, and his production company. Eventually, Grabow alleges that they used his ideas for their own film Rez Ball, which was released in September of this year.

Rob Grabow Alleges That His Script Inspired Rez Ball

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns
Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Grabow cites various alleged similarities between The Gift of the Game and Rez Ball. This includes the ending when the protagonist is fouled during the championship game. "There are numerous substantially and strikingly similar concrete and expressive elements in the two works’ plot, theme, dialogue, mood, setting, pace, characters and sequence of events," the lawsuit alleges. Grabow also alleges that Rez Ball is more similar to his screenplay than it is to the book of the same name, which it was supposedly inspired by. He's suing for alleged copyright infringement, breach of contract, and more and seeking unspecified damages.

This isn't the first lawsuit LeBron James has been hit with in recent weeks, however. In October, the athlete and his son Bronny were sued over their alleged involvement in a 2022 car accident. Two ladies accuse the father-son duo of hitting their vehicle on the highway, allegedly causing them injuries and damaging their vehicle. They're also seeking unspecified damages.

About The Author
Caroline Fisher is currently a News Editor at HotNewHipHop. Her time at HotNewHipHop began in 2023 when she began writing about music and pop culture full-time. Since then, she has helped cover major stories including the YSL RICO trial, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s explosive feud, Diddy’s ongoing legal battle, and awards shows such as the BET Awards. Being from Chicago, she also got the opportunity to attend Summer Smash 2024 and review Chief Keef’s historic homecoming show. She additionally covered sets by Flo Milli, Playboi Carti, Bktherula, and more.

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