There was a time when Jay-Z, part owner of the New Jersey Nets, said that he wouldn't interfere with the quest to land LeBron James in New Jersey. When I heard about this one, I laughed. The chances that LeBron wouldn't be influenced by his buddy Jigga is like saying Tiger Woods would be able to walk past a busload of Swedish supermodels.

The Newark Star Ledger has confirmed that the Jiggaman plans to get involved in LeBron's recruitment.

"According to those familiar with the sales pitch, it will be a "low-key" approach, with the Russian billionaire [Mikhail Prokhorov] using two or three hours to illuminate what he can do for James' image and reputation on a global scale, and try to get James to specify what other player he would have the team sign."

It makes perfect sense for LeBron to give serious consideration to New Jersey and also for Jay-Z to be involved in his recruitment. King James needs a bigger stage. His presence in Cleveland has been one of the greatest gifts given to a state since the Native Americans sold Manhattan for $24. He has boosted the economy and drawn attention to the place most of us had stopped paying attention to, and it's time that he take his rightful place on the throne.

The Cavs have done all they can to help LeBron win a title, but the truth is that they just don't have the money or the market to make it happen. New York is the place to be, given that it has the largest media presence in the world, and both the Knicks and Nets are incredibly valuable teams with deep bankrolls to pay for whatever they need. When it's all said and done, LeBron being anywhere near the New York-New Jersey area will boost him to a level of visibility far beyond anything any of us have seen thus far. Nike would surely be proud.

Most importantly, the Knicks and Nets are the teams that can give LeBron the talent he needs in order to win a championship. If he doesn't win the title, he'll continue to be the player "who was great but." That's not the career James wants to have, and this year's embarrassing elimination by the Celtics only serves to further his resolve to make things right. Making matters even more complicated is the fact that his nemesis, Kobe Bryant, was able to get his fifth ring and take over as the greatest player on earth. LeBron really wants that championship.

Another strong possibility for James would be Chicago: The market is big, the talent is solid, the players are young, and it's close to home. That's actually my prediction regarding where King James will lay his head, but only time will tell. Jigga might not like this about LeBron, but King James is actually attached to the Midwest, and I expect that to play a powerful role in his decision.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book 'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.