New Obama-produced series 'Starting 5' follows LeBron James, other NBA stars throughout season
LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and several other basketball superstars will take center stage in a brand-new docuseries executive produced by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, chronicling the 2023 to 2024 NBA season.
Along with James and Butler, "Starting 5" will follow Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings as all five players push through the season in pursuit of a championship, according to a release from Netflix on Wednesday.
"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," the release states.
Each player's individual experiences are documented including James' push to stay at the top of his game in his 21st season, and how Edwards skyrocketed in popularity during his breakout season.
"Butler's relentless drive propels the Heat, Sabonis anchors the Kings with his versatile play," the release continues.
The show will also follow Tatum's journey leading to him capturing his first NBA championship, a feat he accomplished with the Celtics in June.
"'Starting 5' delivers an unfiltered view of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball," the release states.
A teaser announcement on Instagram shows all the players in an Instagram group chat, celebrating the arrival of the series.
The series is executive produced by the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions with Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis; Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions with Jamie Horowitz and Sam Pepper; and Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron and Randy Mims on behalf of James' company UNINTERRUPTED.
Peter J. Scalettar serves as a showrunner. The series is directed by Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams and Scalettar.
The Obamas are also executive producing a Netflix docuseries which follows international basketball teams through the Olympics.
"Starting 5" will premiere on Netflix on Oct. 9.
