India, June 30 -- The LeBron James off-season saga reached a decisive landmark on Tuesday as the Los Angeles Lakers announced that the 41-year-old is departing LA after eight seasons. His agent, Rich Paul, confirmed to ESPN that LeBron is retiring and will be back in the NBA next season with a different franchise.

The decision came as a big heartbreak for Lakers fans. Despite reports of a likely move, there was still hope till early Tuesday. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Lakers met with LeBron's team Tuesday in an attempt to re-sign him. But their efforts have fallen through, as the GOAT is all set to feature for a different franchise in the next NBA season.

Talks about LeBron leaving the Lakers had been the most-talked-about...