Decline of the NBA: Thank LeBron James and Company

Last summer, people all across the world witnessed an event that forever changed the NBA.

"The Decision," a one-hour-long television showcase, simmered down to the words so few of us have forgotten: "I'm taking my talents to South Beach." Who knew this simple sentence, humbly proclaimed by the man who calls himself King, would start a revolutionary movement within the NBA?

"The Decision," which was viewed in 7.3 percent of all American households, marked the beginning of a phenomenon that changed the league's entire dynamic. When LeBron James revealed the iconic sentence that still irritates his enemies' ears, he wasn't just making a decision for himself.

He was making a decision for the entire NBA.

Rest assured: other NBA players were among the 9.9 million Americans who watched "The Decision." LeBron James made The Decision for many of the league's biggest stars that night.

Carmelo Anthony, now with the New York Knicks, pursued extreme isolation from the Denver Nuggets when the time came to renew his contract. Anthony made it clear he was not going to re-sign with the Nuggets, and also wasn't going to sign with the New Jersey Nets, who were willing to accommodate his every need.

Backed by Russian tycoon Mikhail D. Prokhorov, Anthony had the opportunity to evolve into a global star. However, like LeBron Anthony chose the big city and seemingly shelved his ego for the prospect of turning into an instant contender overnight.

Interestingly enough, Anthony might not be the only one.

Deron Williams and Chris Paul, who both become free agents this summer, are also rumored to want to join a "super-team" in an effort to become instant championship contenders.

LeBron James started a movement.

With the simplest of words, James exemplified the fact that superstars are willing to trade an incredible amount of money for a greater chance at winning. This formula guarantees a championship in no way, shape or form, as both the Heat and the newly-formed Knicks show with every loss, but it shifts even more power away from small NBA markets.

Stars no longer have the desire to be a star in Denver or Cleveland; they'd much rather join forces in New York or Miami. What does this mean for the NBA?

That small-market team are hurting.

The Kings have played in Sacramento since 1985, but have recently filed trademark names in Anaheim, a significant step in the process of relocation to Southern California. The Kings have ignored any attempt at public funding and have their eyes set on targeting the Los Angeles market.

The Utah Jazz have recently lost Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan after reports of a confrontation with star point guard Deron Williams, who was then traded to the New Jersey Nets after the organization felt that he would not re-sign with the team.

Smaller markets continue to suffer.

Overall, the competition in the NBA is at a minimum. Lesser markets have a poorer chance at competing successfully on a nightly basis.

Competition is decreasing, NBA attendance is declining and while owners will blame the economy the simple fact is that in a 30-team league, 23 teams have no chance at winning the championship from the moment the season tips off.

LeBron James' decision re-enforced the ideology that was already beginning to make itself known: The NBA is dictated by players, and while these players, these stars, these colossal entities continue to dictate the league's direction, the product on the court is steadily declining due to lack of competition and non-existence of parity.

Let's all thank the King.