Crushers fans emulate LeBron James’ famous powder toss with confetti. (CT photo by Steve Manheim.)

AVON — There were LeBron James jerseys, LeBron James banners and even several peti­tions aimed at keeping LeBron James in Cleve­land. The only thing that was missing during the Lake Erie Crushers’ 5-4 loss in 12 innings over the Florence Freedom on Wednesday night was … LeBron James.

While the high-profile Cavaliers star wasn’t in attendance, plenty of local sports fans were and they enjoyed the festivities that were aimed at showing James how much he means to the Cleveland sports scene.

Just hours before James was able to begin negotiating with NBA teams, the Crushers gave away James-themed T-shirts, auctioned off game-worn James-themed jerseys and had a huge James-themed promotion they called “Keep LBJ in the C-L-E.”

“I think it’s all pretty cool,” said Avon Lake’s Kathy Chippi, who attended the game with her husband and two sons — all dressed in Cavs gear. “The LeBron (publicity) thing, I’m over it, but my kids are still into it.

“I think the team did a nice job (with the pro­motion).”