Editors note: This article originally appeared as a guest post I did for Cleveland's Hope. I discussed the ultimate impact of LeBron's decision and what it means for the franchise as well as the city.

“I’m taking my talents to South Beach.” One statement will never have as big of an impact on any city ever again, guaranteed. Those 7 words pierced through the hearts of Clevelanders as LeBron announced on ESPN that he would be playing for the Miami Heat next year, essentially abandoning the city he put on the map. Most in Cleveland were optimistic that LeBron would stay, but he decided to play with Wade and Bosh instead.

Regardless of whether you agreed with his decision, or the manner in which he decided.. LeBron is gone. What does this mean for the franchise? What impact will it have on the city? 

LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland has already had an enormous impact on the city. By now, you’ve seen the burning jerseys and the local outrage over his decision. You smiled when you read Dan Gilbert’s letter to fans, proclaiming LeBron a coward and a traitor. But it still hasn’t sunk in. Arguably the world’s best basketball player is gone, and with him goes championship aspirations. No longer will Austin Carr chime in, “and the King THROWS the hammer down.”

Although Dan Gilbert has vowed that the Cavaliers will win a championship before LeBron does, there is virtually no chance that statement holds true. LeBron, Bosh, and Wade on the same team. That’s 3 starters from the All-Star team. Bring on Zydrunas and Mike Miller, a few other role players, and Miami is instantly the favorite in the East. You can pretty much give them the best record in the regular season, and see them in the NBA Finals.

It was hard to lure free agents to Cleveland when we had LeBron. How much harder will it be now that he’s gone? I doubt any elite players will want to come here to play; LeBron is a tough act to follow. The Cavaliers are left with Mo Williams, Jamison, Hickson, and Varejao. Oh yeah, and Christian Eyenga. He might be our best hope. Now granted there is some talent in those 5, but there is one thing missing; star power. The Cavaliers were on national television frequently, only because of LeBron. You can kiss those days goodbye, along with the nightly appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Countdown. No more jaw-dropping “Akron Hammer” throw-downs. Next year, we will be lucky to get one game on ESPN - when LeBron returns to Cleveland.

The city has seen its hopes of a championship vanish with LeBron’s “decision.” The Indians are not going to win a World Series anytime soon. The Dolans simply cannot afford to keep our best players, so they trade them away. The Browns have always been the lovable losers, and making the playoffs alone would be considered a miracle. It’s been 8 years since we made the playoffs, and I don’t see it happening soon. Jake Delhomme will not be leading us to the Promised Land. 

The impact of LeBron’s decision also will hurt the city’s economy. As a result of LeBron leaving, an ESPN report estimated are that Cleveland will lose $20 to $40 million dollars per year. LeBron’s presence meant business for local restaurants, hotels, and bars. Although Cleveland has always been faithful to its sports, it will be hard watching the Cavaliers and knowing something is missing. Never again will this city have a superstar that brings the amount of attention that LeBron did, and his decision pushes us far away from sporting relevance. Maybe we won’t lose 65 games like we did in 2002, but we certainly won’t win 65 either.

Dan Gilbert will do his best to put together a contender, but don’t expect his efforts to translate into a championship level team anytime in the near future. Maybe I’m just being pessimistic, but deep inside I realize the impact that LeBron’s decision will have on Cleveland sports. Where are Ricky Davis and Darius Miles when you need them?

                       

So.. last night didn't go so well.  LeBron goes on National Television, and announces he will be leaving Cleveland to team up with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade.  What a way to leave the city that has given you unconditional support. 

Thanks for screwing us big-time LeBron.  Not only do you leave, but you're so self-centered that you decide to hold the city hostage. 

Now, we have no chance of landing any respectable free agents.  Chicago already signed Boozer, and New York got Amare.  By keeping your decision to yourself, you have handcuffed the Cavaliers organization and put us in a very bad situation.  Time after time, you put yourself above all else.

LeBron knows the history of Cleveland.  The "Drive", the "Catch", the "Jose Mesa", and now the "Decision."  We thought you might be better than that.  I hope you fail miserably in Miami, and as Dan Gilbert put it, "take the Cleveland curse down south with you."

Ultimately, you leave Cleveland a disgrace and a failure.  You failed to win a championship, something you vowed to do.  When you did make the Finals and were matched up against the Spurs, you embarrassed the city by getting swept.  The last two years, you turned the sidelines into your personal dance floor and had the best record in the regular season.  But, when it came time to show up in the playoffs, you failed again.  Your performances in Game 2 and Game 4 were atrocious.  You honestly gave up. 

Kobe has to be smiling in this whole situation.  LeBron hasn't even won a ring, and just created one of the biggest media circuses of all-time for a crushing "Decision" to leave Cleveland.  This mis-management by "Team LeBron" will have negative repercussions throughout the rest of his ill-fated career.  Team LeBron is a joke.  The "LeBron Brand" takes a big hit here, as he now has to join forces with Wade and Bosh to win a championship.  He can't do it on his own, and will never be considered to be on Jordan's level.  Kobe is better anyways.

LeBron needs to go to Miami because he's not welcome here anymore.  He needs Dwyane Wade because on his own, he fails.  Skip Bayless has always been right when he said, "LeBron does not have the clutch gene."  He never did.  The unreal amount of attention he has received since high school has never quite been justified.  Sure, he might be the best "athlete" in the Association, but he is certainly not the best "basketball player."  Kobe won one with Shaq, and then without him.  LeBron couldn't win a championship in Cleveland with the Diesel.

The Miami Heat will undoubtedly be fun to watch this year, but they might not be as good as everyone expects.  3 players don't win a championship.  As of right now their roster consists of Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller who just signed, and a bunch of no-name draft picks.  The Celtics had the Big 3, but they also had Rondo.. and Perkins.. and Glen Davis.  Miami definitely has the flash with the new Big 3, but they don't have substance.  Miami will find out soon enough, just how short LeBron can come up when it matters. 

I hate Chris Bosh.  Seriously, hate is an understatement.  I'm not one to wish harm upon another, but either LeBron, Bosh, or Wade is going to go down with an injury this season.  Dan Gilbert's letter to the fans was priceless.  More to come on that later.  The Cavs owner seems more motivated than ever to bring a title to Cleveland.  As for LeBron, good riddance.  This city deserves better than an egotistical, maniacal, self-centered, underachieving "King" who quits and leaves when he fails under great expectations.  In my eyes, he's done this city more injustice than Art Modell ever did.  Am I upset?  Absolutely.  Should we be surprised?  Not really.  One thing is for certain; LeBron James was never underrated

Cavs fan reacts to The Decision