Cleveland, Miami, New York, Chicago…

Before you read this, understand that I am a Boston Celtics fan. I was a fan of the Celtics probably long before you were born. This past season it was sweet to see the Celtics dispense of LeBron and his entourage during the playoffs. Very sweet.

So I’m glad the LeBron show is almost over. The rumors about where LeBron James would play next season started a long time ago and took up most of the talk during the playoffs. James has “milked” this for almost all it is worth finally ending up with a primetime slot on ESPN to make the announcement – which I imagine will be like the final night of “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars” with one of the ESPN announcers playing along like they are Ryan Seacrest or Tom Bergeron – “Text XXXX if you like Chicago… or text XXXX if you like Cleveland.”

It is nice that James is using ESPN to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. He’s also using ESPN in many other ways…

Today, the rumors are flying: “Sources say James to stay in Cleveland.” “Sources say James to play in New York.” “James to play in Miami.” “Chicago is where James will play.” It goes on and on and on. Thankfully the end is near. We also have something to watch on Thursday night.

By the way, I don’t refer to LeBron as “King James” because he’s not done anything to make him a “King.” I use nicknames when I write about them for actual champions like “Air” Jordan (6 rings) or Magic (5 rings) or Larry “The Legend” (3 rings). These three champions also played their entire careers with one team (OK, Jordan played for the Wizards at the end of his career after he had six rings).

I have a lot of respect for professional athletes who stay with one team for their entire careers. Hello Cleveland!

For sure James will be a richer young man after tonight. That’s about all we know about his future.