“The King” has made his decision – and while the process was drawn out and watered down in many ways, the overall aftermath from LeBron James’ decision to join the Miami Heat is still very major – and affects many players, fans and teams throughout the country.

In particular, here’s who I feel to be the WINNERS and LOSERS from LeBron’s decision to bolt Ohio for South Beach – in the form of a TWHS “Sexy Seven”, featuring seven on each list:

Winners and Losers from LeBron James’ Decision to Join Miami Heat

WINNERS

Pat Riley – “Riles” proves he’s still got it – being able to lure LeBron to Miami, putting together a super trio base of stars.  Miami still has some work to do adding depth and bodies to the Heat roster.

LeBron James – It’s a rollercoaster day for King James, and while he’ll certainly leave a hefty chunk of change on the table in exchange for joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh – Miami immediately becomes the potential favorites to not just win an NBA title, but start up a new dynasty.

Chris Broussard – The ESPN NBA analyst nailed the report leading up to LeBron’s big decision, all when there were a number of rumors flying across multiple cities that were in the mix.

Stephen A. Smith – Days ago, Smith discussed on The Dan Patrick Show that Bosh, Wade and James would wind up in Miami – and that it was basically “done”.  At the time, that description seemed very extreme, but Smith turned out to be correct – and has earned bragging rights.

Dwyane Wade – D-Wade gets his wish, adding two major pieces, while staying in the city where he began his career – and has won one championship.

Chris Bosh – Another obvious choice, as Bosh goes from being the lone star on a Canadian team, to joining two superstars in South Beach.

ESPN – Certainly, there are a lot of critics of the coverage and the handling of the situation, but in the end – LeBron and Co. approached the worldwide leader to put together an hour-long special, and ESPN is certainly reaping the benefits in the form of ratings, website PV’s and so on.

LOSERS

Byron Scott – Hey Byron, welcome to Cleveland – you’re superstar is heading south.  Umm, is that assistant job still available in La-La land?  Can anyone say out clause?

Adam Morrison – No player in recent years had an easier road to 2 NBA championships – while barely contributing at all.  Now, there’s a super trio of Wade, Bosh and LeBron in Miami?  C’mon now – we know Morrison is sensitive (see right).

Carlos Boozer – Boozer decided to head to Chicago, and while the Bulls will still be a talented group – they don’t just miss out on adding LeBron, but also now Boozer moves from the Western conference to the Eastern conference – where Miami, Boston and Orlando all play.

Amar’e Stoudemire – Same as with Boozer, Stoudemire left the West for the East – from Phoenix to New York.  He adds a piece to the Knicks, but New York still has a long way to go.

The City of Cleveland – No one should feel worse than the city of Cleveland, who most certainly should feel like certain doom is ahead for each of its sports franchises.  Cleveland hasn’t seen a title since 1964 – that’s almost 50 years.  Right about now, it has to feel like it will be 50 more before another arrives.

New Jersey Nets – The Nets are the biggest loser of this entire offseason, as the other big names in play for LeBron at least added other major pieces to their respective rosters.  The Nets’ current major signing has been Travis Outlaw, who agreed to a deal earlier Thursday.

Finally, there’s the King himself…

LeBron James – James – while also mentioned a winner – is also a loser in this situation, too.  Plain and simple, his home state hates him right about now – and during ESPN’s broadcast after “The Decision”, Shelley Smith reported that, “LeBron is the second most hated person in this city, Art Modell being first.”  Smith followed that statement with, “They’re very bitter.”

In addition, ESPN’s Rachel Nichols reported that many Knicks fans are now listing LeBron James as a more hated player than Reggie Miller.  Yikes.

So in the end, James certainly may finally get that ring while in Miami – but he’ll pay a major price when he travels on the road to Cleveland, New York and so on.

Everyone knows the personality of Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco -  flamboyant, funny and just a little bit crazy.

Also, if you follow Ochocinco on Twitter, then you have a clearer picture of his personality, and how he interacts with other celebrities across the sports and entertainment world.

Therefore, it will come as no surprise that Ochocinco has two cents on the LeBron James free agency story in the NBA.

Earlier today, Ochocinco – via his twitter account – first sent the following message directed at King James himself:

OGOchoCinco

@KingJames big bruh can i break the news now or do i still have to wait?

Certainly, there was no response from LeBron James.  After all, he’s only sent three tweets since his Twitter debut yesterday.  That, plus James isn’t sending any direct messages on Twitter – because he isn’t following anyone back.

Heck, who knows – it may not even be LeBron sending out the tweets… you never know.

A few minutes later, Ochocinco followed up with the following tweet:

OGOchoCinco

#OCNNBREAKINGNEWS *Empire State of Mind* *wink* *wink*only the smart folk will put this together and figure out what i am talking about #6

For those that immediately think that Ochocinco is hinting at the Knicks – because of the song’s lyrics (and that New York is the “Empire State”) – nevermind that.

“Empire State of Mind” is also a song by rapper Jay-Z – who as many know, is part-owner of the New Jersey Nets and a friend of LeBron James.

Therefore, as you can imagine, this sent Twitter into a bit of a frenzy, as the speculation continues leading up to LeBron James’ decision on Thursday night.

Upon doing some additional research on the matter, I didn’t see any write-ups on how James and Ochocinco were the best of friends – or whether Jay-Z is chummy with the Bengals receiver, either.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s possible, as a lot of these guys know each other quite well.

Does Ochocinco know something about where LeBron will sign, or is he just messing with us?

But for now, chalk it up as another rumor – or some more fun being had in the direction of basketball fans – and the media, too.

Judging by his past antics – from touchdown celebrations to Dancing with the Stars, we shouldn’t put it past Ochocinco to be having a little bit of fun.

Whether that fun is at our expense, that remains to be seen – but I consider it to be quite likely.

Then again, if this turns out to be true… one can imagine that ESPN won’t be too pleased, considering the hyped up LeBron James one-hour special that will be airing tomorrow night.

Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine has learned through multiple sources that LeBron James will make his final decision this Thursday at 9pm – and the announcement will be made during a one-hour special, to be aired by the worldwide leader in sports.

So, there you have it – we apparently have ourselves a final date for King James’ ultimate decision, but it comes with a price.

You see, LeBron James has now turned NBA free agency into a three-ring circus.

OK, maybe the hype surrounding this NBA class was already bordering on insanity weeks ago – fine, months ago – and the media certainly sparked everything with ongoing chatter about this being the best free agent class in the history of sports.

But this certainly doesn’t mean that it has to reach a stage reminiscent of college football recruiting – where a marquee player sits in front of a national audience with a handful of team hats in front of him – and slowly and dramatically chooses the dome cover representing the school that he will attend.

This pending announcement certainly has the same feel – and hell, while we’re at it, maybe Terrell Owens could show up and help “getcha popcorn ready”, too.

Or we could scratch the T.O. appearance and have the LeBron puppet come before the worldwide audience and make the call – all finalized and sealed with a kiss… or more likely a Nike swoosh.

The LeBron puppet might as well make the announcement

Seriously, whatever happened to old-fashioned vanilla-tasting decision-making?

First, the Brett Favre rollercoaster ride and now this.

It began earlier today with James creating a twitter account – quite possibly the last NBA star to do so, by the way.  That proved to be a timed decision, as thousands and thousands joined before LeBron even sent a tweet.

One tweet later, and now we are forced to channel our inner-couch potato and plop our butts down and be force-fed a television special to watch it unfold on Thursday night.

That is, if we really want to know – and really can’t wait.

It’s a bit much if you ask me – and this wasn’t even a last minute decision to make this happen.

It was months ago that James and his representation got involved in such an idea.

Brian Windhorst of the Plain-Dealer reported through his twitter account that, “ESPN was in talks with James a couple of months ago about filming his planned free agency “tour” but talks ended after Celtics loss.”

It all sums up to deliver a guy that’s simply just laying it on way too thick – and I mean real thick.  We’re talking thicker than the bars on Lindsay Lohan’s future jail cell, here.

Will you be A WITNESS to LeBron's decision Thursday night?

So I’m not one to go and immediately douse this slug of a story in salt, but I can’t resist.

C’mon King – go on your tour.  Meet with the franchises that you’re interested in.  Take as much time as you like, and then announce your decision.

We’ll still cheer.

We’ll still chat.

We’ll discuss.

We’ll predict.

But going this far when you haven’t even won an NBA title?

Doesn’t seem right – heck, let D-Wade flash his ring and make his choice during an announcement special, too.

If you like it, more power to you – but we can make this event more entertaining.

Why don’t we get a prediction on LeBron’s team from “Paul the Octopus” – famous for his World Cup predictions?

Who’s in?  Raise your hand – or a tentacle.

Why not, kids?

After all, the circus is in town – and LeBron is in the center ring wearing the goofy top hat.

Once the clock hits midnight and its July 1^st, the dominoes can officially begin to fall in what is arguably the best free agency pool in the history of the NBA – and possibly all of sports.

Of course, saying that a bevy of contracts will be inked immediately when the doorway opens is like saying that Mikhail Prokhorov is a penny pincher.

That also goes for the fact that we know what’s really going on – because the rumors are flying – and I mean REALLY flying.

So let me get this straight, one report has LeBron James and Chris Bosh both signing with the Heat to join Dwyane Wade as part of a “super team” in Miami – correct?

Will the Miami Heat have a "super trio", or is it just another rumor?

That’s correct, and Stephen A. Smith also mentioned it as “highly likely” on the Dan Patrick Show recently.

Yet, ESPN’s Chad Ford (via his Twitter account) stated earlier today that the “Nets believe they’re in the lead for LeBron.”

OK, hold the phone – so one rumor has King James in Miami and another has him headed to the New Jersey Nets?

What about the Bulls?  Weren’t there rumors about LeBron following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan in the Windy City?

Well, sure there were – but Chicago has their eyes on others as well.  As reported by both Doug Thonus on Chicago Now’s “Bulls Confidential” and Chicago Breaking Sports, the Bulls plan to meet with Chris Bosh first, and then Dwyane Wade on Thursday.

If your head is spinning, don’t fret – K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune puts the Chicago Bulls free agency situation in full perspective.

So wait, does that mean that Wade is not a certainty to remain in Miami, as many have speculated?

Hey, every guy has the right to weigh his options.

Man, my head hurts.

So who has the real answers to all these free agency questions?

Well, no one yet – it’s just the media fighting to get the answer right before the other guy – but Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer has a bunch of answers to a lot of Cleveland’s NBA free agency questions.

Will Joe Johnson be in Atlanta next season?

Imagine what will happen with all the teams that lose out – and there will be losers once the dust has settled.  It could be the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New Jersey Nets – heck, it could be anyone.

As for the Knicks, Marc Berman of the New York Post mentions a source stating that New York plans to meet with Mike Miller and Joe Johnson.

Speaking of Joe Johnson, he’s an interesting case – especially considering that Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks plan to offer Johnson a max contract.

Offering a max contract with all these other big names available?  That may be too hard to pass up.  Cunningham chooses not to toss in his additional two cents – but if he shares my thoughts here, I think Atlanta would be crazy to do that – and I’m talking crazy like “Lady GaGa in the Yankees clubhouse crazy”.

Maybe a surprise team will come out of the woodwork – or a surprise trade will occur.  After all, there have been the recent rumors involving another NBA power, the Orlando Magic – who have emerged in rumors for players such as Gilbert Arenas from Washington and Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Sure those rumors are fine and dandy – but Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel seems to discard all of them, hinting that the Magic are likely to only have a few minor changes to pull out of their hat.

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Then, there’s the announcement by Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who has stated that he will return to the bench next season.

What does this mean for “The Big 3” in Boston?

We know Garnett will be back, but Paul Pierce opted out of his contract and Ray Allen is a part of this uber-talented free agency pool.

Some expect Boston to keep the group intact and shoot for one last title run.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe adds more proof to this theory, reporting that Danny Ainge and the Celtics will be making Paul Pierce “one of our top priorities.”

Meanwhile, the rumors continue to fly throughout other major cities of teams that have a pantload of cap space – and therefore hope to court any (or multiple) big names.

LeBron James - The King of NBA Free Agency in 2010

These are just a sampling of recent rumors to hit the basketball world hard like a LeBron James slam dunk – but who could expect anything less with a group headlined by James himself, and also including the likes of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Dirk Nowitzki – among others.

Where do you stand on NBA free agency?  I’ll say this – and this is my opinion (with no sources influencing me, but just my gut talking):

-   The most likely to be on a new team is Chris Bosh – count on that, actually.

-   The most likely to stay with his own team – and this is aside from Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki (who many believe will stay) – is Dwyane Wade, who I feel will stay with the Heat.  On top of that, I think Miami will add a major piece to its championship puzzle, but it won’t be King James.

-   As for LeBron, my prediction is that King James will either stay in Cleveland or sign with the Bulls.

When it’s all said and done – this will certainly be remembered as one of the more interesting and fascinating free agency periods in sports history… and that’s even if the majority of the players decide to stay put – which I think a number of them will.

Let the games begin.

The NBA Playoffs have reached the Conference Finals – and the dream match of Kobe vs. LeBron will once again not happen.

The Boston Celtics – with great defense and a fired up Boston crowd – eliminated LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with a series-clinching Game 6 win, 94-85.

So now that the Celtics have moved on and King James is going home – many will immediately ask the question, “What’s next for LeBron James?”

My answer: Let’s take our foot off the gas just a little bit.

It just happened, and certainly LeBron has a lot to think about heading into the offseason.

So instead of formulating an immediate opinion about LeBron James and his teeter-tottering relationship with the city of Cleveland, let’s instead take a softer side to what just happened – and at TWHS, that’s in the form of another caption contest.

Certainly, in the upcoming days or weeks – I’ll have plenty of opinions and thoughts to add regarding NBA free agency, including King James himself.

But for now, let’s celebrate the fantastic performance of the Boston Celtics – who many left for dead headed into the postseason.

Well, except for the city of Cleveland – you get a hall pass.

As for LeBron, well… there’s this image from the past – which can certainly personify likely how James may feel at this time.

Here’s the image (below) – and here’s your chance to generate the most creative, funny, or unique caption possible.  Either that, or just pitch in your initial thoughts on the LeBron situation, the Boston Celtics, or the Conference Finals in the NBA.

Have at it, friends – and as always, thanks for reading The Wife Hates Sports!