Lebron James’ “The Decision” – The Results Still Unclear

Between earthquakes and heat waves, whether in San Diego or New York, all anyone is talking about is for which team Lebron James will be playing. Perhaps more accurately, people are sighing and rolling their eyes about the ego-centric media circus James has created out of this moment. Nevertheless, tonight everyone can breathe a sigh of relief at knowing where James will be playing, or at least at knowing that the big production is finally over.

The ringmaster takes his stage tonight at 9:00pm (ET) on his own ESPN special, self-named “The Decision,” during which he plans to announce his future NBA loyalties- within the first 10 minutes.

Despite his overwhelming thirst for the lime-light, James is using this sports news frenzy for some good. Not only will the proceeds from the show’s sponsorships will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, from which James will make his announcement, but James also used this opportunity to announce the continuation of the King’s Academy basketball camp, moved last year from its Akron home to our very own San Diego. Regarding the camp that will be hosted at UCSD from July 29-August 2, James released a statement Wednesday saying, “I am looking forward to the fifth year of the King’s Academy camp and being able to share lessons I have learned in my years playing basketball and in life.”

So why all the commotion about where James will be playing?

Despite winning two MVPs and six All-Star titles, James has never won an NBA championship, a marker he considers necessary to being a basketball legend. “I understand that me going down as one of the greats will not happen until I win a championship,” he said in an interview with Larry King. “I’m going to do what’s best for me and my family.” James claimed that his “ultimate goal is winning championships… not one year, but multiple years,” but that his final resting place comes down to a team that allows him to “continue to get better and help that team win.” The question is whether he can snag those championships if he stays with the Cavaliers.

Interpreting these mixed messages has gotten most sources nowhere. If James wants those championships, joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami might just do the trick. But if he wants to leave a legacy by helping his team win, leading his fan-base in Cleveland to a winning championship would definitely land him a spot as one of the greats- and a committed one at that. Though the contest is still open to the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets, and even President Obama and Mayor Bloomberg making the case for their respective teams, most rumors put the Cavaliers and Heat as the two front-runners. ESPN.com reports “indications that James is leaning toward signing with Miami,” but is also waiting with bated breath to hear the official score from James tonight.

So grab some popcorn, make those best-effort bets, and join everyone tuning in for tonight’s ESPN 60-minute special… or at least for the first 10 minutes.