As we approach 2011, LeBron James and The Decision are kind of old news.  His move to south Florida to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh has been prodded and analyzed from every conceivable (and unconceivable) angle, with people from all walks of life contributing to the merciless beatdown of a once well-liked and respected athlete.

He did it for the rings.  He did it for the friends.  He did it so he could live in South Beach.  He did it so he could win rings while living in South Beach with his friends.

He did it for… China?

While people speculated for two years about which American city would give LeBron his best chance at becoming a billionaire global icon, better known to many as the New York Knicks’ entire sales pitch, was The Chosen One basing his potential one-billion dollar decision not on the U.S. market, but rather on 300-400 million Chinese basketball fans instead?

Stephen A. Smith, who proved to be pretty much the only person in the media who was right about the SuperFriends, apparently said as much (I didn’t watch the show) on a “Courting the King” segment previewing James’ impending free-agency on ESPN’s SportsCenter in July, telling viewers emphatically (according to an account by Forbes writer Jack Perkowski) that “It doesn’t matter anymore what city a star like LeBron James plays for, it’s now about China.”

Lots of people agree, none being more important than the people at Nike.  According to CNBC’s Darren Rovell, Nike has a $400 million basketball operation in China that is experiencing tremendous yearly growth rates of 12-15%.  Meanwhile back in the U.S., the Swoosh is growing at just 1%.

“It’s clearly not about U.S. market size anymore when you talk about endorsements,” said Rovell in a June 22nd article for Power Grid.  ”Based on the numbers, China, whose 300 million basketball fans almost total the population of the United States, is the most logical place to look.”

Global icon.  That’s what LeBron’s been saying, right?

But, then why Miami?  Why not play both fields — making plenty cash playing for the Knicks in the U.S.’s biggest market while also marketing yourself in China?

Go anywhere in China, city or countryside, and ask a kid who is favorite player is.  Chances are its Kobe Bryant.  Then go up to somebody a little older and ask somebody who their favorite player was when they were growing up. Probably — no, definitely –they’ll answer with Michael Jordan.

What’s the link?  Yeah, they’re both high flying super-talented perimeter players that people love to compare against each other, but more importantly: they’re winners.

China likes winners.  It’s why the Lakers are the country’s most popular team, why Kobe has the highest selling jersey in the country, why the government puts priority on gold medals at the Olympics, and why nobody likes the Chinese national soccer team.

Terry Rhoads, who has been involved with sports and China spanning three decades and now has his own marketing company in Shanghai, lays it down proper: “For LeBron and Team LeBron, the ultimate objective has to be get those rings onto LeBron’s fingers, and then, the rest of the opportunities in China really can become available.”

Sure, joining up with Wade, Bosh and Pat Riley gives LeBron the so-called chance at getting multiple championships and the legacy that he desires.  The execution on his part was admittedly way off, but maybe that doesn’t matter. Maybe LeBron’s not looking at you, he’s looking at China.  Maybe Miami wasn’t just about winning championships, but also about unlocking the key to become the most popular athlete in the world’s biggest market.

Champion.  Billionaire.  Global Icon.  All while in beautiful South Beach surrounded by his two best buds.

And all built on China.

If you look at The Decision that way  – and at Miami’s record of late — it seems James has made a very, very smart choice.