Six reasons why I believe LeBron will become a Bull

Despite the rumors, reports and speculation that say otherwise, it is my belief King James is coming to take his throne in Chicago. For the past year I would have put money on the Knicks or Nets. But a few things have happened over the last couple months that slowly started changing my mind. The more I thought about it, the more I thought LeBron will be wearing a #6 Bulls jersey next season -- here are six reasons why.

1. Pieces already in place: Of the six teams bidding for LeBron, the Bulls have the second best roster for LeBron to join (short of the stacked combo of Wade-Bosh on the Heat). LeBron loves Derrick Rose (what's not to love?) and would fit in extraordinarily well in a starting five of Rose, Luol Deng, (former teammate) Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. Combine that with the addition of head coach Tom Thibodeau (who is represented by the same agency as LeBron), and you have a young core group of men who could very well dominate the NBA East for the next decade.

2. It would be LeBron's team: You may have the impression that LeBron is an egomaniacal narcissist. You may not be incorrect in that notion. Either way, LeBron has become accustomed to being the star of the show (referring to his teammates as "the supporting cast" often in the past). Many criticize that joining the Heat would be taking the easy way to glory, as they would surely win championships -- but it would still be Dwyane Wade's team. By joining the Bulls instead of a star-studded Heat team, LeBron is still the star. While Derrick Rose has superstar potential, he is very humble and unselfish. Carlos Boozer may be an all-star but has shared the stage with LeBron in the past, and lets his game do the talking.

3. Big market marketing: The greatest determining factor in LeBron's decision is how it is tied to marketing dollars. Many people would argue winning should be (or is) the greatest factor -- and they are correct, because winning championships is the greatest way to generate marketing revenue. Chicago isn't on the scale of New York or Los Angeles when it comes to market size; but it tops Miami and Cleveland. It's market size, combined with his opportunity to win several championships makes Chicago a better option than any of the other cities.

4. Bulls legacy: LeBron was a Bulls fan in his youth and idolized Michael Jordan. I think this may be one of the most underrated aspects of LeBron's decision. Think about your childhood and what you aspired to be. If you grew up wanting to be a Chicago Bull -- you'd probably become a Chicago Bull if given the opportunity (and combined with all other factors). LeBron has spoken favorably about Bulls fans, saying what an honor it is to play in front of them and earn their respect. Bulls fans have seen greatness, he reasons, and are best at deciding who possesses it.

5. Jordan legacy: Since Michael Jordan passed his prime, the NBA and basketball fans have been eager to annoint an heir to "His Airness". It wasn't Jerry Stackhouse. It probably could be Kobe Bryant. But the only player with a chance of surpassing Jordan's greatness is "The Chosen One" -- King James. The thing that first gave me the idea that LeBron was considering the Bulls was when he announced he will change his jersey number to "6" next season out of respect for M.J. It dawned on me that he may be thinking forward to joining the Bulls, where he wouldn't be able to wear #23 anyways.

6. The city itself: Chicago is...LeBron's kind of town. Chicago is...the perfect fit for LeBron. LeBron spent time here playing basketball growing up and it probably had a significant impact on him. Many people LeBron's (and my) age can relate. It's people, charm, architecture and activities provide everything you'd want in a place to call home. It's not oversized (like New York) and it's people are incredibly loyal and passionate about their sports teams (not like Los Angeles or Miami). LeBron is a Midwesterner and probably feels most comfortable in the Midwest. Next to Cleveland, Chicago is the destination LeBron would most likely want to call home.

Amidst all the clutter and noise people are spewing over this free agent fracas, I think these reasons will be why LeBron will join the Chicago Bulls. I hope I'm right, and can't wait to find out tonight during "The Decision" at 8:00 CST on ESPN. If you're one of those who can't stand the hype surrounding LBJ's announcement, well? In the words of Rasheed Wallace -- "This ain't basketball. This is entertainment." Enjoy the show.