What is the Drew League? LeBron James made surprise appearance at famed basketball event

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made a surprise performance at the famous Drew League summer basketball program on Saturday, creating massive in-person interest and viral social media fireworks.

James teamed up with fellow NBA star and Los Angeles native DeMar DeRozan on MMV Cheaters who defeated Black Pearl Elite 103-102 in a matchup of previously unbeaten teams.

PAOLO BANCHERO: No. 1 pick looks like a combo of LeBron and Durant 

TRADE DEMANDS: NBA has to deal with stars who want out

James had 42 points and 16 rebounds in his first Drew League performance since the NBA lockout in 2011. In a tweet last summer, James said it was getting closer to another Drew appearance and early Saturday, DeRozan teased James’ possible visit to one of the premier pro-am leagues in the United States.

We take a look at the Drew League:

What is the Drew League?

It is a pro-am summer basketball league in Los Angeles. Los Angeles native Dino Smiley is the commissioner of the league, which plays its games on Saturdays and Sundays, and the Drew League slogan is “No excuse. Just produce.”

When did it begin?

Alvin Lewis founded the league in 1973 “for young men and women out of South Central Los Angeles to learn life lessons via basketball,” according to the Drew League web site.  “There’s no bowling alleys, no malls, no movie theatre, so every night we’d be in the gym,” Willis said.

Who plays in the Drew League?

Teams are comprised of high-level amateurs who have some college experience or are just great rec-league players. Also professionals, including NBA players, participate in the famous league. In 1990, Ed Reed (not the former NFL safety) set a league record with 64 points. Former Los Angeles prep star and Drew League legend Casper Ware Sr. scored a championship-high 47 points in 1987. Ware’s son, Casper Jr., who played in college and professionally overseas, teamed up with James and DeRozan on Saturday.

What NBA players have played?

More than 100 NBA players have James, DeRozan, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Chris Paul, Paul George, Paul Pierce, Trae Young, John Wall, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are some of the prominent NBA players who have played.

Why can NBA players play?

While NBA contracts prohibit some organized offseason basketball events, the league allows players to participate in the Drew League and other high-level pro-am leagues around the country. The NBA took advantage of James involvement, streaming the game on NBA.com and its app.

Where is the Drew League played?

Games at the King Drew Magnet High School, 12 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. It’s a typical high school gym with bleachers on sideline and standing-room only on the baselines. Prior to 2012, games were played at Washington Park (2006-2011) and Charles Drew Middle School (1973-2005).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the Drew League? LeBron James played in famed basketball event