Even at 33, James remains the dominant force in the game, and his free agency will again be the league’s No. 1 topic of conversation. The difference this time around is that his options aren’t great. After opting out of the final year of his deal Friday, he’ll likely either stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or join the Los Angeles Lakers. As constituted, neither can be a true championship contender next season, leaving him with a complicated decision.
The curious case of Leonard’s battle with the San Antonio Spurs hung over the team, and the league, for most of the season.