With glowing reviews, LeBron James’ Rez Ball gives audiences a fresh look at Native American high school basketball

LeBron’s latest production, Rez Ball, highlights the Chuska Warriors’ journey, captivating sports fans worldwide(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)LAPRESSE

LeBron James may be entering his 21st NBA season, but the King is far from slowing down. While the basketball world braces for the new season to kick off, James is already captivating audiences off the court. With the offseason quiet and fans itching for some hoops-related excitement, LeBron is serving up a different kind of entertainment-this time through Netflix.

In collaboration with his production company, The SpringHill Company, LeBron has taken a seat behind the camera, producing Rez Ball, a sports drama that is quickly gaining traction. The film, directed by Sydney Freeland, delves into the world of Native American high school basketball in New Mexico, following the underdog Chuska Warriors. Released on September 27, Rez Ball has garnered positive reviews, boasting a 7.7 IMDb rating and an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. But for LeBron, the movie’s success is about more than numbers-it’s about storytelling.

Taking to social media, LeBron expressed his pride in the project. “I’m incredibly proud of the team at @makespringhill and so grateful to @netflix for helping us tell this story,” James posted on X. He also gave a nod to the families out there who love sports dramas, calling it a perfect “Netflix and chill” weekend pick. This isn’t just a film for the casual viewer; it’s a heartfelt narrative crafted by a team including LeBron himself, Jamal Henderson, Mauricio Mota, and Spencer Beighley, among others.

While Rez Ball is already making waves, LeBron isn’t stopping there. The NBA legend recently appeared at the red carpet event for another upcoming Netflix project, Starting 5. The highly anticipated documentary series promises to offer fans an exclusive look into the lives of five of the league’s top stars. Among them, of course, is James, but he’ll be joined by Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, and Domantas Sabonis.

LeBron James’ ‘Starting 5′ on Netflix: A behind-the-scenes look at NBA stars’ lives off the court

Following the success of Netflix’s Quarterback series last year, which chronicled the lives of NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, LeBron’s new series aims to bring that same level of behind-the-scenes insight to the NBA. Directed by Susan Ansman and Peter J. Scalettar, Starting 5 offers an “intense, behind-the-scenes look” at the 2023-24 season, diving deep into the personal and professional lives of its featured athletes.

LeBron himself hinted at the kind of moments fans can expect. “Just see what we do before we even get on the floor,” he said at the premiere. “See off days, spending time with family and friends, and life outside of the game. The human side of us will be showing a lot on this, and I think people will appreciate that.”

With the first episode set to premiere on October 9, fans won’t have to wait long to see their favorite NBA stars in action-this time, off the court. As the preseason looms, LeBron James is once again proving that he’s not just a player but a storyteller, ready to take fans deeper into the world of basketball.