LeBron James has successful jaw surgery

CLEVELAND, June 2 (UPI) -- Cleveland's LeBron James had successful surgery Tuesday to remove a benign growth near the right side of his jaw.

The five-hour procedure, removed a growth of the parotid (salivary) gland. James is recovering at the Cleveland Clinic.

The Cavaliers said James and his family have been aware of the issue for months, but decided to wait until the end of the season for the surgery.

For James, the NBA's reigning MVP, averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season when the Cavaliers were 66-16 and were the Eastern Conference's top seed. But after sweeping the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Cleveland was beaten by Orlando in six games in the conference finals.