New Delhi, July 1 -- Eight years. Four playoff appearances. One championship. One tearful night when Kobe's number went to the rafters and James stood watching from the floor. On Tuesday, LeBron James told the Los Angeles Lakers he was done, and just like that, the richest and most examined free agency in professional basketball began.

James informed the franchise he will sign elsewhere for the 2026-27 season, according to ESPN, bringing to a close the Los Angeles chapter of a career that will enter a record 24th season in the fall. The retirement questions that dominated the spring have been answered, at least for now, with a single decision that has reshuffled the entire NBA landscape before a contract has been signed.

The Golden Stat...