‘Starting 5’: LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler Among NBA Players Featured in Obamas-Produced Sports Series

Netflix has announced the new 10-part sport series “Starting 5,” featuring NBA players LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards and Domantas Sabonis.

“Starting 5” gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023-24 NBA season through the eyes of James (Los Angeles Lakers), Tatum (Boston Celtics), Butler (Miami Heat), Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Sabonis (Sacramento Kings). Per the official synopsis: “The series captures their battles on and off the court as they chase greatness, push through injuries, and balance the demands of family and legacy. James pushes himself harder than ever to stay healthy — and dominant — in his 21st season, while Edwards electrifies with his rapid rise. Butler’s relentless drive propels the Heat, Sabonis anchors the Kings with his versatile play, and Tatum leads the Celtics in their quest for a record 18th championship. ‘Starting 5’ delivers an unfiltered view of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball.”

James’ Uninterrupted produced the series in association with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. This marks Higher Ground’s second sports series with Netflix following the announcement of an Olympic men’s basketball series (to premiere in 2025).

“Starting 5” is directed by Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams and showrunner Peter J. Scalettar. The executive producers are Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron and Randy Mims (for Uninterrupted); the Obamas, Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis (for Higher Ground); Manning, Jamie Horowitz and Sam Pepper (for Omaha). Co-executive producers include Sami Khan, Matt Rissmiller and Camara Rose.

“Starting 5” premieres Oct. 9 on Netflix. Check out first look photos from the series below.