The date is getting closer, and the anticipation has never been higher. ‘Starting 5′, a new Netflix series dives into the minds of five of the NBA’s biggest stars. Likewise, the platform provided a sneak peek into the series to prepare followers for what’s to come. With UNINTERRUPTED a part of the production, the show will dive into the complex life of LeBron James as part of the show, a basketball phenom and one of the game’s legends. However, to his family, that isn’t his distinction.

In the teaser, Zhuri James, the nine-year-old daughter of the King speaks about her father in an ordinary sense. The 22-year decorated career, four MVPS and a plethora of accolades happen to be James’ basketball persona. But at home, when he is with the people who truly matter, he is ordinary.

“Everyone thinks our dad is a legend of basketball. But he is just like a normal person,” she said during the short trailer for the ten-part series.

As much sacrifice as LeBron James gives to the game, at the end of the day what he values most is being a family man. Prior to signing an extension with the Lakers, he was pondering retirement. A major decision maker for him to continue playing came from his family. To him, the thing that eclipses his love for basketball is the precious moments he can have with his family.

So for Zhuri, Bryce, Bronny, and Savannah James, they don’t see an NBA legend when he enters home. To them, he is a loving father and husband who is present for his family no matter how difficult his basketball life might be. As much of an icon he is on the court, LeBron James is a bigger role model off the court, being a model family man who never misses a beat.

Apart from him, the series will also focus on how Jimmy Butler, Domantas Sabonis, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards find this intimate balance between work life and family.

“Seeing my daughter smile” – Family moments matter more than basketball for LeBron James

There was one point that LeBron James would be bothered by losses in the NBA. Obviously, does that mean he isn’t affected anymore? No, it doesn’t. Shortcomings and failures still sting. However, the anecdote for him is simply being with his family. In the matters of fatherhood, the game grows dim for the Akron Hammer.

Having seen the various phases of his kids’ lives, he understands that his purpose is far bigger than the game of basketball. He shows up to Bryce and Bronny’s games, cooks with Zhuri, and always make time for his Savannah. Now, at 39, that’s of paramount importance to him. In fact, it’s been that way since 2017.

After a Game 3 loss, he transparently spoke about dear memories with his family are what will “stick” with him, and not the various records he holds, whether good or bad.

“What’s going to stick with me is seeing my daughter smile, seeing my kids graduate high school, college. Hopefully my daughter will go off and meet the man of her dreams. That’s what’s going to stick with me. I keep telling you all, these games and wins and losses — yeah, I love it — but it’s not the be all and end all for me,” he told SLAM. 

Given his radiating legacy within the game, LeBron James can retire tomorrow and the needle won’t move. But one can argue that he is pushing to ensure he can impart vital lessons to his eldest Bronny James as he prepares for his rookie season. And maybe he will go another two seasons to do the same for Bryce.

Undoubtedly, his immeasurable love for the game helps. However, at the root of it, it’s family that encourages LeBron James to make every move that he does.