Huge mural of LeBron in Cleveland taken down

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND — LeBron James has left the building.

Workers have removed a gigantic Nike banner featuring James, a sign that hung on the side of a downtown building for years and served as a background for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success during the seven years he played for them.

The mural was taken down after James announced he planned to leave Cleveland as a free agent to play for the Miami Heat.

In the hours after James’ announcement, some angry fans hurled rocks at the 10-foot-story sign that featured James with his arms outstretched after tossing powder into the air.

A Nike spokesman said he did not know what the company plans to do with the sign, which hung on the side of the Landmark Office Tower across the street from Quicken Loans Arena.

Meanwhile, James is still planning to attend his charity bikeathon in Akron on Aug. 7. On Monday, James’ publicist, Keith Estabook, said the all-star intends to participate in the fifth annual "King for Kids Bikeathon" event in his hometown.

In the past, James has been joined at the event by Wade and New Orleans guard Chris Paul.

James, who attended good friend Carmelo Anthony’s wedding in New York over the weekend, is on vacation, Estabrook said.

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