Kobe Bryant reportedly demanded creative control over the documentary "Kobe: Doin' Work" right before director Spike Lee was set to begin taping.

Lee was forced to drive to Bryant's house to save the project, sources told the New York Post.

The director had already flown to Los Angeles, where 30 cameras were in place for the April 13, 2008, Lakers game against the Spurs. Lee worked hard to get permission from Bryant, coach Phil Jackson and the NBA prior to the filming.

"It went so far that Lee had a last-minute plan to substitute Spurs star Tim Duncan for Kobe and make the whole documentary about Duncan," the source told the Post.

Somehow, Lee was able to get Bryant back on board with the project, and many believe he conceded control to Bryant on the film to do so.

"Spike Lee completely yielded," said one insider. "And at the start of the film, when Kobe arrives at the Staples Center and sees Spike with the camera, he gives him a big smile and thumbs up, showing he knows he won the battle."

Lee has refuted the story.