That headline got your attention, didn’t it?

I wish I knew for sure where LeBron is going to play next year. If I did, I’d be famous for breaking the story. But my instincts tell me something about his decision to make the announcement on ESPN during an hour-long broadcast and donate sponsorship proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club: It is a public relations maneuver designed to lessen the fallout from him leaving his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s just my opinion, but I believe it has some merit.

Here’s why.

The Cavaliers have benefited greatly from LeBron’s presence, going from a ho-hum franchise to a consistent sellout at home and on the road. They even made the NBA Finals in 2007. A story the other day pointed out that LeBron has annual economic impact on Cleveland far above $100 million from tourism, team paraphernalia sales and food and beverage revenues. Without King James, Cleveland is just another Rust Belt city trying to remake itself. Some will understand his desire to leave, realizing that his chances of winning an NBA championship in Cleveland are slim. Better opportunities exist elsewhere, like in Chicago and maybe New York. But many will be upset for abandoning Cleveland.

So, to keep LeBron from looking like a heel who is running out on a team and city that have stumbled over themselves to keep him happy, you hold this televised event. I’ll bet LeBron will hold off until the end of the show to make his announcement. He will likely talk about what fun it has been to play in his hometown and what Cleveland and Akron mean to him. He’ll have some of his buddies and family on the show. He might even get emotional. And, then, at the close of the program, he will announce that he has decided to take his game elsewhere.

Meanwhile, millions of people will be watching. Advertisers know this. They will spend gobs of money to run spots during the program. And though Cleveland will lose its cash cow, the Boys & Girls Club gets some needed attention and money by way of the sponsorship dollars.

LeBron comes away looking like a hero.

I think it’s an ingenious idea. I’d certainly advise it if I had his ear.

Again, I could be wrong about all of this. But you have to admit, the idea has merit.