Cameras captured the longtime Lakers fan embracing and chatting with LeBron James before the game in a moment widely shared on social media. According to ESPN, the 86-year-old actor has not been seen in his usual seat at the Lakers' arena since last season's opening game.
Determined to avoid a Game 7 in Memphis, the Lakers beat the second-seeded Grizzles 125-85 to end the series. D'Angelo Russell starred with 31 points, a playoff-career best, while James added 22 points.
The Lakers led by 17 at halftime and went into the final period leading 100-67.
The seventh seeded Lakers, who won four of the six games, now await the winner of the series between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
That Western Conference first-round playoff series will go to a seventh and decisive game after the Kings beat the Warriors 118-99 in San Francisco Friday.
Victory for the Kings, the third seeds, at home on Sunday would mean a first playoff series win in 19 years and would eliminate the defending champions.
Malik Monk scored 28 points for the Kings, De'Aaron Fox ended with 26 points, including a game-high 11 assists, and Keegan Murray 15 points. Steph Curry scored 29 points for a Warriors team who did not come close to threatening the Kings.