LeBron James takes the lead in ‘Starting 5’ but lacks depth

In the fourth episode of “Starting 5”, a gripping Netflix docuseries chronicling the 2023-2024 NBA season through the eyes of a select group of premier players, we catch a glimpse of LeBron James in a lighter moment. Post-game, James playfully teases his wife, Savannah. “Stop!” she laughs. “We’re on camera!” Unfazed, James retorts, “That’s my camera.” This interaction subtly underscores an overarching theme: nothing airs without James’ approval.

Power behind the lens

Uninterrupted, James’ production company, is the engine driving “Starting 5.” This docuseries contrasts the prowess of the Los Angeles Lakers’ leading light with the talents of four key rivals: Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings). In a bid to ensure a comprehensive representation, Uninterrupted joined forces with Omaha Productions, founded by ex-NFL star Peyton Manning, and Higher Ground, a venture of Barack and Michelle Obama.

Control and editorial balance

James’ playful remark poignantly highlights the double-edged nature of such productions. The level of control granted to the subjects can be a boon, providing unprecedented access into their lives. However, this very control often results in content that lacks genuine vulnerability and critical introspection. In recent memory, we’ve seen sanitized celebrity portrayals flood streaming services, particularly in the music world with stars like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. This trend extends to sports as well, with Michael Jordan’s profoundly influential “The Last Dance,” co-produced by his company, Jump 23.

Remarkable lives, unremarkable insights

“Starting 5” indeed provides a window into the personal lives of these remarkable athletes, but the views offered are disappointingly ordinary. The excitement of meeting their families and exploring their homes quickly fades as the docuseries resorts to predictable narratives. We learn, unsurprisingly, that these athletes cherish their families, crave victory, and possess endearing quirks. Such insights, however, are often readily available on their social media accounts, offering little additional value to the viewer.

Historical context: A missed opportunity

Netflix has previously struck gold with behind-the-scenes sports documentaries such as “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and its offshoots. These projects captivated audiences by introducing new sports or weaving compelling narratives around them. For instance, “Drive to Survive” introduced Formula 1 to a predominantly American audience, while “Break Point” focused on emerging tennis stars aiming to fill the shoes of legends like Serena Williams and Roger Federer.

“Starting 5” lacks a similar overarching narrative or tension. The NBA has experienced relatively stable years following the player empowerment era epitomized by James and the tumultuous events of 2020. Even though the series tries to manufacture suspense through the inaugural mid-season NBA Cup, it fails to generate genuine excitement.

Player dynamics and narrative strain

The most engaging elements of “Starting 5” stem from the personalities of the players themselves. Jimmy Butler, for instance, stands out with his quirky personality and memorable antics, like donning an emo haircut as a joke. Younger stars like Anthony Edwards display potential, but there isn’t enough narrative meat to fully develop their arcs.

Age and legacy

One recurring theme is the impending shift in the NBA’s power dynamics as James approaches 40. However, rather than grappling deeply with the implications of this transition, the series glosses over it, focusing instead on asserting that James remains at the peak of his game.

Seasonal milestones with insufficient momentum

From Halloween celebrations to NBA milestones like Christmas Day games, the All-Star event, and ultimately the playoffs, “Starting 5” lacks the narrative drive to maintain audience engagement. The show opens with a charming clip of James in a Beetlejuice costume, showcasing his fun side. Yet, this kind of light-hearted content, stripped of real risk or depth, is as far as the series ventures into the personal lives of its subjects.

In summary, while “Starting 5” delivers occasional charming moments and a surface-level look into the lives of elite NBA players, it ultimately lacks the depth and tension that could have made it a truly compelling watch.

All episodes of “Starting 5” are now available on Netflix.

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