Giant LeBron banner set for removal following departure for Lakers

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Tuesday, July 3, 2018

CLEVELAND -- The massive LeBron James banner hanging downtown is being removed again following the superstar's announcement he's leaving Cleveland.

The 10-story billboard, which shows James wearing his No. 23 jersey with his arms spread wide, has become a city landmark. It was also removed in 2010 when he decided to join the Miami Heat. On Sunday, James agreed to sign a four-year, $153 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

A Nike spokesman said the removal of the banner will begin Tuesday and take several days to complete.

A spokesman for Sherwin-Williams, which owns the building where the banner hangs, said the company is evaluating what to do with the wall on its global headquarters.

After learning the billboard was coming down, some people headed over to take photos in front of it.

Cleveland fans are recovering from losing James for the second time. His jerseys have been reduced by 40 percent in the Cavs' team shop at Quicken Loans Arena.

ESPN's Darren Rovell and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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