Ever wonder how the best athletes in the world maintain their bodies and balance their personal lives during a grueling NBA season? Starting 5, a new 10-part Netflix sports series, provides an intense behind-the-scenes look at five of the league’s best players.
The series delivers an unfiltered view of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball, as five athletes chase greatness, push through injuries, and balance the demands of family and legacy. The Lakers’ LeBron James exerts himself harder than ever to stay healthy — and dominant — in his 21st season, while the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards electrifies fans with his rapid rise. Jimmy Butler propels the Heat with his relentless drive, Domantas Sabonis anchors the Kings with his versatile play, and Jayson Tatum leads the Boston Celtics in their quest for a record-breaking 18th championship.
Aside from basketball fans, Director Peter Scalettar believes many folks will connect with the universal themes throughout the series.
“That was sort of driving us — the idea that as much as these are guys we hold on a pedestal, guys who we think we know everything about because of social media, there’s a whole lot more than that,” Scalettar says — “being able to see them at home, see them as dads, as family men, as regular people. At the end of the day, it makes it really relatable, and it’s kind of fun to go, ‘Oh yeah, LeBron’s just like me.’ ”
Starting 5 is produced by UNINTERRUPTED in association with Higher Ground Productions and Omaha Productions. Below, meet the cast of the new documentary series and explore our guide to each episode.
King of the court, James is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time. Off the court, he uses his platforms to promote his passions, such as equality in education, visibility for women’s sports, and Black innovators in pop culture. James is a proud father and husband who loves to put his family in the spotlight and showcase their achievements, like his son (and Los Angeles Lakers teammate) Bronny.
A force to reckon with on the court with a history of iconic playoff performances, Butler is a man of many talents and interests. Whether he’s brewing high-quality coffee, dominating dominoes, or popping up in a Fall Out Boy music video, Butler has a charismatic personality and entertaining life outside of basketball that has captivated fans.
Drafted to the NBA at 19, Tatum has been touted as the next big superstar. But with Tatum’s elite play came increasingly high expectations, drawing scrutiny to his nightly performances. Often seen with his son Deuce at games, Tatum entered the 2023–2024 season determined to meet mounting pressure head on and lead the Boston Celtics to a title. He says the pressures he faced both on and off the court during the season are a big part of what he wants to come across in the series.
“The mental aspect is just as demanding as the physical aspect,” Tatum tells Tudum. “It is never getting too high or too low, while holding myself to the highest standard. That is my job, but the perspective is knowing that my most important role is being a dad. I think the series does a great job showing the balance we have to maintain in our lives.”
Largely considered the next face of the NBA, Edwards has won over fans with his electric play on the court and his accountability in post-game interviews. His relentlessness on the court leads to flashy dunks and captivating shooting; add to that his confidence and charisma, and Edwards has become one of the most influential stars in the league.
One of the NBA’s most consistent stars, Sabonis is known for putting up record-breaking stats, showcasing remarkable passing abilities and operating with a knack for providing whatever his team needs to win. Sabonis’ father, Arvydas, was also an NBA player, so it should come as no surprise that he’s so skilled, but Domantas keeps a low profile as he builds his own legacy and prioritizes his family, who are featured in the series.
“I’m excited for my fans to see me off-court,” Sabonis tells Tudum. “If you don’t know me personally, you might think I am kind of crazy — or whatever fans think I am on the court when I’m in the zone. Outside of basketball, I am the complete opposite. I’m a husband and father first and I just want to take care of my family.”
LeBron faces a minutes restriction, Jayson aims to cement his legacy with a championship, and Jimmy taps into his diverse interests for an edge on the court.
Anthony stays focused on competing amid buzz about his bright future, while Domantas strives to balance family life with his demanding schedule on the road.
Rest and recovery regimens are especially vital for the players as the league’s first In-Season Tournament brings playoff-level intensity — and injuries.
The players enjoy a festive morning with their families before the Christmas Day games. Jayson and LeBron go head-to-head in a holiday showdown.
Jimmy works on a country music project, Domantas learns of his All-Star snub, and Jayson faces backlash after losing to the shorthanded Lakers.
LeBron achieves a historic milestone after the All-Star break, Jimmy plays through grief, and Anthony prepares to welcome his first child.
The players reflect on fatherhood as Anthony embraces his new role as a dad. On the court, the teams battle to secure top seeds and playoff berths.
The season ends for Domantas as Jimmy and the Heat take on the 76ers in the Play-In Tournament. Anthony shines in a game against his idol, Kevin Durant.
With LeBron facing elimination, debates over the next face of the league intensify. The Celtics stay on top, and Anthony aims to end the Nuggets’ reign.
Anthony’s playoff run stalls in Dallas. The Celtics advance to the NBA Finals, where Jayson lays it all on the line for a shot at his first championship.
You can watch LeBron James in the documentary The Redeem Team, about the US men’s basketball teams’ quest for gold at the 2008 Olympics. Netflix has worked with LeBron James’ UNINTERRUPTED on sports programming like Hustle (where you can also spot Anthony Edwards), Neymar: The Perfect Chaos, Naomi Osaka, UNTOLD: Sign Stealer, Rez Ball and The Playbook.
