Favorite Basketball Movies9 of 16
He Got Game (1998)
In what would be his first film to open at No. 1 at the box office, director Spike Lee explores the world of college recruiting and father-son relationships in this late '90s film that pairs Denzel Washington as convict Jake Shuttlesworth and NBA shooting legend Ray Allen as his son Jesus, a top-ranked high-school basketball prospect. The two are forced to come to terms with each other when Jake is released on parole for a week in order to help convince his son to attend the state governor's alma mater. Fun fact: Lee originally had intended for Kobe Bryant to play the part of Jesus Shuttlesworth. Having just finished his rookie season in the NBA, Bryant opted instead to use the 1997 offseason to train, and Lee then turned to Allen, who quickly accepted the leading role.
In what would be his first film to open at No. 1 at the box office, director Spike Lee explores the world of college recruiting and father-son relationships in this late '90s film that pairs Denzel Washington as convict Jake Shuttlesworth and NBA shooting legend Ray Allen as his son Jesus, a top-ranked high-school basketball prospect. The two are forced to come to terms with each other when Jake is released on parole for a week in order to help convince his son to attend the state governor's alma mater. Fun fact: Lee originally had intended for Kobe Bryant to play the part of Jesus Shuttlesworth. Having just finished his rookie season in the NBA, Bryant opted instead to use the 1997 offseason to train, and Lee then turned to Allen, who quickly accepted the leading role.
PeopleDenzel Washington
TitlesHe Got Game