While both NBA superstars LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are musclebound multimillionaires in the midst of their respective primes, the two have some decisions to ponder and live with which may have them in unfamiliar and very uncomfortable territory.

Of course, James sent shockwaves reverberating throughout the entire sports world when he announced on live television and without warning his team or fans that he was “taking his talents to South Beach” in an hour-long special entitled The Decision.

He literally set the city on fire with that choice. The entire city of Cleveland unleashed it’s wrath on James. Jerseys were burnt. Videos were made. Banners were taken down. Loyal supporters of James were even beaten up.

All of this led to a super-squad (and enormous expectations) of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and James playing in Miami—a playing situation which started out shaky at first, but seems to be coming together if all can stay healthy.

However, whenever LeBron returns to Cleveland, the city reacts. They boo him when he comes around and then hate on him from afar for the remainder of the season when he returns to fun in the sun.

Contrast this with the story of Carmelo Anthony, who reportedly wants out of Denver (a claim he downplays although it seems to be the case).

Melo has to play with an entire team despite rumors of multiple-team deals and trades which all seem doomed from the start as he and the rest of the league face the truth: The Nuggets don’t want to part ways with him, a statement made clear by their rejection of several potential deals so far.

While James’s former fans boo him from afar, Anthony has to hear boos when he laces up his sneakers and puts on awe-inspiring performances. Furthermore, the longer it takes for deals to be cut, the more his chances of leaving dwindle (which we witnessed when New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov dismissed the idea of signing him).

Worse yet, if Melo can’t get his trade deal done before the deadline, he may have to face the grim prospect of being a high-salary-demanding free agent during a lockout. Hated by most or potentially employed by none? Who has it better?

We’re willing to bet either of these guys would spend a sizable amount on an offseason do-over.

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