Deciphering LeBron James and "The Decision"

Forget about Wimbledon, the World Cup and the impending MLB All-Star Weekend. Forget about the stories and events usually associated with the start of July, because for the past two weeks, LeBron James has held the sports world hostage. In what has become a sideshow of epic proportions, the world has watched as NBA teams courted the league's most dynamic player, aptly nicknamed "The King." According to several media outlets, the madness ends on ESPN tonight at 9pm eastern. During a one-hour special, entitled "The Decision," James will announce where he intends to play basketball, elating one fan base and spreading fear to 29 others.

Here is a look at the projected favorites to land King James, and how the tea leaves might read:

Miami Heat

Why LeBron will sign with the Heat '" With Wednesday's announcement that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would sign in South Florida, speculation began to brew that LeBron James might accompany them as well. The three superstars could form a much younger and dynamic version of "The Big Three" that brought success to Boston in 2008 and nearly again in 2010. Although the three players would have to compromise some salaries to fit under the cap, it should not be forgotten that Florid does not collect an income tax, meaning that any reduction in gross salary may be offset.

Off the court '" Miami is the anti-Cleveland: bright lights, beautiful beaches, warm weather and plenty of entertainment. Let's not forget that King James is a 25 year-old multi-millionaire.

Tea Leaves '" From the beginning of the free agent process, Chris Bosh has been attached to LeBron James at the hip, going so far as to say he'd follow LeBron anywhere, except to Cleveland. When Bosh announced Wednesday that he'd be signing with Miami, logic would say that either LeBron planned to return to Cleveland or Bosh wanted his day in the sun before James' big splash.

New York Knicks

Why LeBron will sign with the Knicks '" Despite recent struggles, the New York Knicks are one of the premier franchises in the NBA. Signing LeBron James would make them an immediate playoff team and could quickly turn them into a championship contender. With freshly acquired Amar'e Stoudemire already in the fold, LeBron has an athletic post presence who can dominate a game with scoring, rebounding and defense; a personnel fit he never had in his seasons with Cleveland. Couple that with the money the Knicks will have available next year after Eddie Curry's contract comes off the books, and the Knicks have the ability to go out and sign another premier player or possibly two very good players to build a championship quality team.

Off the court '" New York is simply New York. LeBron may already be a global icon, but with the added media exposure that he'll receive in New York, if there is any life out there in another galaxy, I'm sure that they will hear about LeBron as well.

Tea Leaves '" Rumors circulated late Wednesday night that LeBron would hold his announcement party in Greenwich, Connecticut. That location is conspicuously close to the New York Knicks practice facility, approximately 45 minutes outside of New York City. While some may be quick to point out that ESPN is also in Connecticut, Bristol is an hour-and-a-half away from James' announcement, which just happens to be near the Knicks' practice facilities. Coincidence?

Chicago Bulls

Why LeBron will sign with the Bulls '" Despite the losses of Wade and Bosh, the Bulls are the closest of LeBron's suitors to a legitimate championship contender. With recently acquired Carlos Boozer, who played with LeBron in Cleveland, and phenom Derrick Rose at point guard, the Bulls have a strong foundation for several years of success. With Boozer and Noah, the Bulls have a quality post presence, and with an all-star at the point, LeBron could be the missing piece that brings the Bulls back to days of yesteryear.

Off the court '" Chicago is a Midwestern city and LeBron is a Midwestern guy. The city would allow him to explore new ventures, but still remain close to his roots. However, Chicago is also a city with big shoes to fill. For over a decade, the city belonged to Michael Jordan, who won six championships. Even if LeBron won five with the Bulls, he'd still be in MJ's shadow. The comparison would be endless and the pressure enormous.

Tea Leaves '" The signing of Boozer was either a late desperation pitch to provide James with another running mate, or the Bulls panicked when they realized LeBron was heading elsewhere. Had Wade returned home to sign with the Bulls, it was probably more likely that LeBron would join him. However, no matter how good a player is, attempting to be a replacement or successor to Michael Jordan is a lot to ask of anybody, even LeBron.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Why LeBron will sign with the Cavaliers '" LeBron is an Ohio native, and has established many roots in northeast Ohio. Early in his career, LeBron was appointed the savior who would bring a championship to Cleveland, something he has yet to accomplish. Although the city adores him, he will quickly be labeled a quitter by his hometown fanbase, should he leave. In this case, LeBron's unfinished business in Cleveland and reputation with locals may keep him around. Also, don't forget that NBA salary rules allow the Cavs to pay LeBron $30 million more than any other team in the league.

Off the court '" LeBron has both family and friends in Ohio. He's already the king of the town, and the entire city's economy may rely upon his presence. If LeBron leaves home, the Cleveland fan base will make it very difficult for him to return on amicable terms, possibly causing concern for LeBron and his family members, who are likely to face a great deal of scrutinity.

Tea Leaves '" Chris Bosh's signing with the Heat gave a glimmer of hope to the Cleveland fan base. Bosh said the only place he didn't want to join LeBron was in Cleveland, meaning that the two may have separated if Bosh learned of LeBron's plans to stay home. The Cavs also hired Byron Scott, a coach who perfectly matched LeBron's wishlist of coaching character traits and accolades. However, despite hiring a coach, the team has done very little with player personnel, failing to add any significant pieces to LeBron's supporting cast.

Final Decision

Despite all of the little quirks, tweets and storylines that have headlined this free agent circus, the one that has remained consistent throughout is LeBron's interest in joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. On Wednesday, the first two pieces of the puzzles came into place, and neither player made any disparaging remarks about LeBron not joining them in Miami. Usually when there is smoke, there is fire, and in this particular rumor, there has been a lot of smoke. Look for LeBron James to join Wade and Bosh in Miami, and do not be surprised if Pat Riley is seen pacing the court sidelines at some point this season as head coach. James wants to win championships, as do Wade and Bosh, and the three of them know that they can make the arrangement work by acquiescing some of their salary demands. Miami provides LeBron with an immediate championship contender for several years, an exciting sports environment and a great lifestyle. With a core nucleus of James, Bosh and Wade - 25, 26 and 28 respectively '" the Miami Heat have a chance to dominate the NBA for at least the next five years and maybe longer. The rare opportunity that Miami presents LeBron both personally and professionally, means he actually may defy the English proverb and successfully both have his cake and eat it too.