Lenny Cooke (Trailer)

Lenny Cooke explores the ups and downs of the life of Lenny Cooke, who was ranked the number one high school basketball player in 2001 and was widely expected to become a professional star, but went undrafted by the NBA in 2002. The film follows Cooke as he plays for little-known minor teams around the world before ultimately quitting the sport to settle into a quiet family life with his fiancée and son.

A relatable story of shattered dreams and the tragedy of untapped potential, Lenny Cooke features several basketball stars who wove in and out of Cooke’s former high-profile life, including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh.

Directed by the Safdie brothers, the first half of the film, full of promise and high spirits, contrasts heartbreakingly with the second half, offering a raw portrait of a man in conflict with what once was and what is now.