LeBron James is the King of Basketball and he has hi-jacked the media, the world. Where will he reign next? The Knicks, no – the Bulls. What about Miami? Poor Cleveland. With tonight’s press conference on ESPN LeBron has displayed such hubris that even Kanye West in cringing. According to Ryan McNish at BleacherReport.com, James has painted himself into a lose/lose/lose corner by exploiting the interest around his free agent decision.

If he goes to Miami he will be chasing a ring with talent such as Wade and Bosh. Winning at all costs isn’t necessarily entertainment for sports fans. A King should be able to carry his kingdom, no?

If he goes to Chicago he will never get out from under the Jordan shadow. However, should that be the goal of an athlete – to best a legend?

If he goes to New York he’ll be ditching his home town, his home team. Cleveland has a failing economy, a sad school system and the Browns. LeBron leaving could be the proverbial last nail.

If he stays in Cleveland, the Mistake by the Lake will breathe a sigh of relief but the rest of the country will roll its eyes. “…all that for nothing.” It will also beg the question of how much of a role did money play in his decision. LaBron will make an absurd amount of money no matter where he plays.

So tonight one city, one set of fans will be happy. The rest will be disappointed, annoyed and probably dismayed – making for a tarnished crown.

Perhaps he should have made his decision quietly, discreetly and announced it in the generally accepted manor – a press release, not conference. Then the basketball loving public could continue to hold LeBron in high esteem. He could have kept his crown clean.