LeBron James is one of the central figures in Netflix’s new docuseries Starting 5, which also features Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum. As the eldest of the group, James offers a unique perspective, as the series follows him through his unprecedented 21st season in the NBA.
A key to LeBron’s remarkable longevity has been his focus on maintaining his health. However, as his career progresses, load management has become an increasingly important issue for him and his team.
This tension comes to the forefront in Starting 5, particularly during a scene from the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-opening loss to the Denver Nuggets last season. In the documentary, LeBron’s frustration with his minutes restriction is palpable, as he gives his coaches a candid—and profane—earful about the limitations placed on his playing time.
Clearly unhappy with the strategy, LeBron is seen venting to the Lakers coaching staff. “Yeah, I know,” he says to anyone within earshot, “I know y’all got me on f—in’ old man time percentages and sh–. Play eight minutes and sh–. Two shots in eight minutes and just getting cardio. I hate this sh– already. This sh–’s garbage. You guys know I’m in better shape than everybody.”
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LeBron’s dissatisfaction stems from feeling like he’s being held back, despite being in what he believes to be top physical condition. Even at his age, the 38-year-old superstar insists he’s capable of more than what the minutes restriction allows. His outburst underscores the delicate balance of preserving his health while still wanting to perform at the highest level—something that has defined the latter part of his career.
Statistically, LeBron’s minutes have hardly diminished, which only adds to his frustration. Despite the so-called “load management,” LeBron averaged 35.3 minutes per game last season, tying him for 17th in the league, just two and a half minutes behind the league leader, DeMar DeRozan.
To put this in perspective, LeBron’s current average is only slightly less than the 37.8 minutes per game he led the league with in the 2016-17 season. The minimal reduction in playing time is enough to irritate him, especially given his belief that he’s still one of the most physically prepared players on the court.
LeBron’s reaction in Starting 5 is a reminder of why he remains one of the greatest players in NBA history. His competitive spirit and refusal to accept limitations, even as he enters his third decade in the league, are what continue to drive him.
It’s likely this determination that will see him surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for the most minutes played in NBA regular-season history, a feat expected to happen during this season.
The scene not only highlights LeBron’s intensity but also provides a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the challenges he faces in managing his career’s twilight years.
While load management may be a necessary evil to extend his playing days, it’s clear that LeBron James isn’t ready to slow down without a fight.
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