Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Marketing, said today that LeBron James will formally announce where he will play next season and beyond on “The Decision,” which will air live on Thursday, July 8, at 9 pm ET on ESPN.

Due to the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron’s decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television. By doing so we have generated funds that will be given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. LeBron has a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community, and has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs in cities across the country.

Lebron James leaning towards the Miami Heat?

If ESPN The Magazine’s own Chris Broussard’s latest report is correct, LeBron James is headed to the Miami Heat to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form their own version of the Big 3 and we can all spend out Thursday night doing something else.

James is scheduled to deliver his free agency decision tonight at 9 p.m. ET on “The Decision,” a one-hour special on ESPN that will lead up to his live announcement of where he plans  to continue his career.

But sources have told Broussard that barring a late-minute change of heart, James already knows where he is going and that’s to South Beach to join Wade and Bosh, who made their intentions public Wednesday morning. Broussard indicated that there are still forces working to change James’ mind, though, including another All-Star:

Chris Paul, one of James’ best friends, has urged him to stay in Cleveland and let new Cavaliers coach Byron Scott coach him, according to sources. With such strong sentiment around him to not go to Miami, it’s possible James could alter his decision.

James’ family and friends are divided over his decision to play in Miami, according to sources. Opinions range from understanding his desire to play with All-Star teammates, to feeling he is selling himself short by joining Wade’s team, to concerns that playing on such a power-packed squad will hurt his brand even if he wins championships.

James worked hard to help the Cavaliers improve their roster, sources said. He tried to sell Bosh on the idea of going to Cleveland, but the 6-foot-11 forward was adamant he did not want to play in northeast Ohio.

While sources close to James insist his heart is in Cleveland and remaining with the Cavaliers was his preferred choice, they say he had concerns about signing a six-year deal there and ending up “31 years old, with bad knees and no title.”

Still, the James to Miami rumblings picked up steam over night.