Sports fans everywhere have been speculating this week about the the future of LeBron James. The NBA All-Star is expected to announce Thursday night in a national broadcast on ESPN whether he will stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or jump to another team. It is perhaps one of the most talked about moves in the history of professional sports, one of the reasons that James has dubbed the event "The Decision."

And, of course, every landmark decision needs an official sponsor. And that's where Bing -- Microsoft's so-called "decision engine" -- steps in. Microsoft announced today that it will be one of the presenting sponsors for the hour long show. (No word on whether LeBron plans to use Bing to make his decision, but his personal Web site at LeBronJames.com prominently features a Bing search box).

Sports radio has been buzzing today with negative feedback about "The Decision," with some talk show hosts arguing that it represents the peak of egotism in professional athletes. In that sense, Bing's sponsorship of the program could be a little risky.

But in a blog post, Bing's Lisa Gurry said that they are excited to join with the basketball star on his big day as the "official decision engine" of LeBron James. As part of the sponsorship of "The Decision," Microsoft is working with James to support The Boys and Girls' Clubs of America.

I am from the Cleveland area, and I find all of this speculation extremely interesting, not to mention the humor in someone having an official "decision engine." For some time, I've argued that James would leave his rust-belt roots for the big city in part because nearly every young person I've known who grew up in central Ohio had a desire to leave the place. (And frankly, I would find it a little hypocritical to fault the guy for that since I left Ohio for Seattle in my early twenties).

Bing is featured prominently on the Web site for LeBron James.

But now, with such fanfare surrounding LeBron's prime time ESPN special, including Microsoft's new sponsorship, I am not so sure. After all, wouldn't it be an absolute slap in the face to LeBron's hometown of Cleveland/Akron to announce his departure this way?

But who really knows what is going through the mind of megastar like LeBron, since this is a guy who just started Tweeting under the moniker kingjames.

If LeBron does leave for the Knicks or Heat or wherever, he may rank in Cleveland sports history right alongside former Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell.

UPDATE: A Microsoft spokeswoman said that four, 30-second Bing ads will air during the program and that the ads will be from the existing Bing marketing campaign.