I wanted to post all the workaround and configs I needed to make Linux Mint work on the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022 so others who need the help can find it on a non-reddit source. This will also be helpful for when I inevitably hop distros or break my system because I am a crazy person.

The following should get Linux Mint 21.2 working reasonably well on your Lenovo Legion assuming the assuming the model is the same.

  1. Fixing stuck on mint logo after installing the nvidia driver.

Install the most recent nvidia driver using the driver manager on mint. Run the following so systemd does not stall waiting for the backlight service.

sudo systemctl mask systemd-backlight@backlight\:nvidia_0.service
  1. Edit your kernel arguments so that the backlight works on Cinnamon

Open the file:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Add the following to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=“quiet splash”

acpi_backlight=video

Update grub to apply the change

sudo update grub
  1. Get a more recent kernel through one of the following methods to make suspend and resume work properly
  1. Adjust keyboard lighting (Optional)

https://github.com/4JX/L5P-Keyboard-RGB

All of that together should make the system function normal and reasonably optimal. So if you use Linux Mint or are having similar issues with your superior for some reason distribution, these may come in handy. As for future Rod Biren, quit spending all your time breaking your OS and avoiding actual work on your side projects. Loading bars are not actual progress.