Upon deciding on “taking his talents to South Beach,” I have digested hundreds (maybe thousands) of thoughts. So lets get started ...

Firstly, do people realize that LeBron James went from the most loved to the most hated? A player who was worshiped, glorified, and celebrated by nearly everyone has now hatched himself into a lethal scoundrel amongst the majority. Now, he replaces Kobe Bryant, and has to live with the decision for the rest of his life - a hard task for anyone who goes from hero to villain instantly. Of course, if he wins, this will ease throughout his longevity in the league.

In James’ defense, he took an enormous pay cut, sacrificed leaving a city which provided him everything anybody could ask for -- stable jobs/money for close friends, special treatment on road trips, etc -- and tarnished his image forever. By flaunting his ego (once again), he turned millions into haters.

Negating everything that I just listed above, the self-proclaimed “King James” looks like “Queen James” to many eyes, including players, coaches, owners, and fans.

I’ve heard the murmurs of such: “He took the easy way out!” and “He’s no Michael Jordan!” The guy just wants to win. Isn’t that what sports fans want?

Lets put this in perspective of an ordinary human being. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t taken the better job when offered one. And why wouldn’t you? I’m quite certain that the majority of people are going to take the job that best suits/benefits them the most; that’s all LeBron did. By bolting Cleveland, he essentially traded for playing with two top-20 players, still got enough money (especially when there’s no state tax in Florida), and he has a better opportunity overall to win. Not to mention ... IT’S M-I-A, where you can go out at 2 a.m., smoke a big ol’ Cuban cigar, wake up the next morning with an illegal Cuban immigrant and a $1,200 Grey Goose and Red Bull tab receipt on your floor, and not feel guilty. It’s the Las Vegas of the southeast.

However, this is the only way I am going to defend LeBron. That junk he pulled on the World Wide Leader was a catastrophe on screen, and it should have never happened.

(Note: Don’t think that I am completely against “The Decision” airing. Without polarizing occurrences like these, no sports fan would have any everlasting memories - so in that mindset, it was FAAAAAAANTASTIC!)

Just remember this before spattering ridiculous conversation with whomever when talking about LeBron leaving Cleveland “to take his talents to South Beach”: He just made a decision that instantly put a tremendous amount of pressure on him right away. He could have just stayed in Cleveland, with less pressure (yes, even if people said “he’s gotta win!), and an excuse if he never won. Not only does LeBron have the tension to deal with, but if he doesn’t win, he has no excuse.

No matter where you stand on “The Decision,” always remember that LeBron forced himself into a chamber that he has to unlock the safety switch and unleash. (Translation: he’s got to win championships or he’s really going to be screwed.)

So his legacy lies within him. Have you ever thought that LeBron doesn’t want to be like Mike? I also thought this was a decision of LeBron creating his own new brand. Different topic for another day.

And I conclude with this ...

Let the excitement unfold. Hate’m or not -- and I’m still a “Kobe Guy” anyway -- LeBron just killed the gift of being the loved Clevelander to wearing the name tag “Devil.”

I say unto thee, GOODLUCK!