King’s farewell: Huge mural of LeBron James removed from building in Cleveland

Mural of LeBron James removed in Cleveland

CLEVELAND — LeBron James has left the building.

Workers have finished removing a gigantic Nike banner featuring James, a sign that hung on the side of a downtown office 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 was leaving Cleveland as a free agent to play with fellow superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. In the hours after James’ announcement, some angry Cavaliers fans hurled rocks at the 10-foot-story sign that featured James with his arms outstretched after tossing powder into the air under the heading: “We Are All Witnesses.”

Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said he did not yet 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, the Cavs’ home 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.