Lakers’ LeBron James arrives at Thomas & Mack for Summer League

The rumors of LeBron James making an appearance Sunday for the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Summer League game ended up being true.

Lakers fans roared as James came out of the Thomas & Mack tunnel to take his courtside seat seconds before the Lakers faced the Pistons in the opening game of the Summer League quarterfinals.

James, who recently left the Cavaliers to join the Lakers, had a pregame hug with new teammate Josh Hart, who scored 18 points in the Lakers’ 101-78 victory.

Seeing James under one of the baskets could have given the Lakers a boost as the team jumped to a 33-14 first quarter lead.

The Lakers advanced to Monday’s semifinals and have extended their Las Vegas streak to 11 games. Los Angeles is the top seed in the tournament and the defending champions.

“Nothing extra,” Hart said about James’ attendance. “It’s cool that he’s there before the game. It’s cool after the game. But during the game, if it’s not those guys on the court, I don’t really pay any attention to it.”

James, sporting gold Lakers shorts, was a supportive teammate as he cheered and shouted instructions from his seat. At one point, James hollered “bang, bang” before Lakers rookie Svi Mykhailiuk drained a 3-pointer.

“Hopefully the boost is that we have a competitive group and wanting to win, but obviously I’m sure they have their eyes on LeBron,” Lakers summer coach Miles Simon said. “Some of these guys are going to be (and) are (James’) future teammates that are going to play with him in the fall.”

James danced to the tunes of the arena music and exchanged pleasantries with numerous people.

Lakers forward Brandon Ingram went over to say hello to his new teammate and four-time league MVP.

James also got a greeting from his former Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue. The two hugged and laughed during a conversation.

Lue and James led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA title. James signed a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers last week.

Here are reactions from James’ arrival:

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Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GManzano24 on Twitter.