Russell Westbrook's New Dream, Is It Impossible? After Saying Goodbye to the NBA

Russell Westbrook has a new goal after ending his career in the NBA. The former player, who announced his retirement in August after 18 seasons in the league, wants to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as an Olympic torchbearer. The nine-time All-Star made his intention public on Friday after receiving a tribute from the Los Angeles City Council for his community work.

Westbrook, who won a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team at the London 2012 Olympics, wants to take advantage of this new chapter to dedicate even more time to his hometown. The former Sacramento Kings player explained that he has already communicated this goal to the workers of his foundation, Why Not? Foundation, whom he has encouraged to expand their philanthropic initiatives to help make it a reality.

Westbrook sets a new goal for Los Angeles 2028

The former guard did not wait too long to publicly announce his intention to participate in the upcoming Olympic event from a different perspective than he had during his playing days.

"I announce this now: I want to be part of the Los Angeles presentation by carrying the torch during the 2028 Olympics," Westbrook said on Friday.

To achieve this, the former player believes he needs to get involved in different areas and continue expanding the impact of his social initiatives. His foundation will play an important role in that purpose, although Westbrook made it clear that his intention goes beyond basketball and covers different areas of the community.

"In order to [carry the torch], one must position oneself in a way that allows participation in many different areas," he stated. "For my part, I work diligently to impact many people and promote advancements in technology, energy, education, health care, mental health, and well-being. I want to get involved in all aspects and help in any way I can."

This goal aligns with the relationship that Westbrook has maintained with Los Angeles throughout his life. He attended Leuzinger High School there and later played at UCLA before developing his professional career. He also represented the colors of the Lakers and the Clippers, two franchises from his hometown.

Image

Los Angeles, a fundamental part of his legacy

During the municipal tribute, Los Angeles councilmember Heather Hutt praised Westbrook and described him as a "humanitarian," highlighting his investments in local schools, sports facilities, and development projects.

The former player himself explained that his connection with the city has shaped both his sports career and his activities off the court. For him, Los Angeles represents much more than the place where he was born and raised.

"Everything I do, from basketball to business, revolves around Los Angeles," he said. "I carry Los Angeles in my blood. My way of playing, acting, and even speaking and walking reflects Los Angeles. That will never change... My legacy will be based on how much I give back to the people of Los Angeles."

Westbrook retired as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, after a career in which he was also selected nine times for the All-Star and won the Most Valuable Player award in 2017.

Kevin Durant laments the retirement of his former teammate

Westbrook's decision to leave professional basketball surprised many fans, especially since the player had maintained relevant statistical production during his last season. With the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

Kevin Durant, a forward for the Houston Rockets and former teammate of Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder, acknowledged that the news made him sad. The player felt that Westbrook could still extend his career for several more years.

"I thought Russ still had five or six more years left," Durant said of his long-time teammate on the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He has an athletic physique that can still positively influence the game. Congratulations on an iconic career."

Although his retirement ended an 18-season career in the NBA, Westbrook has no intention of reducing his activity. The former player also hopes that his entry into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame "will happen soon," but made it clear that his current priority is to take time to contribute to the community that raised him.

His priority now is to give back to the community what he has received

Westbrook explained that basketball has always had a special meaning for him, but having more time after retiring will allow him to focus on other facets of his life. His new Olympic goal is part of that transition, where he wants to increase his involvement in social projects.

"While I was playing, [Los Ángeles] was my court," Westbrook said. "Basketball was something I did for fun; it was my escape. Being drafted and being in the NBA was fantastic. But... being able to have more time since my retirement to give back to the community and be more present, that’s what matters most."

The desire to carry the torch in 2028 thus represents a new goal for the former guard, who already experienced the Olympic journey as a player in London 2012. This time, his intention is to participate in the Games held in his hometown from a different role, while continuing to develop his community work.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El nuevo sueño ¿imposible? de Russell Westbrook tras decir adiós a la NBA