Westbrook to Be Honored By the City of Los Angeles

Russell Westbrook will be honored by the city of Los Angeles for his remarkable career and community work.

City Councilwoman Heather Hutt (District 10) will present a Council certificate to Russell on Friday, honoring his retirement from professional basketball and his ongoing dedication to empowering local youth and communities.

Across an 18-season career, Westbrook compiled a legendary resume. A nine-time All-NBA selection, two-time scoring champion, and three-time assists leader, he averaged a triple-double in four out of five seasons between 2016 and 2021. He retires as the NBA’s all-time regular-season triple-double leader with 209—surpassing Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record of 181 on May 10, 2021. 

He also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings.

A native of Los Angeles, Westbrook attended UCLA and later played for the Lakers and Clippers. He started the Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which “aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved communities in the areas of educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources.” 

Westbrook confirmed his retirement on social media in August.

“Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook’s caption read. “You had to be there. And now it’s over. According to ESPN, Westbrook “had offers this offseason with the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.” Instead, he leaves the game on his own terms. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said Westbrook laid the “foundation” for what the Thunder have become. 

“He’s as dynamic as they come in terms of an NBA player, personality, and teammate. Westbrook was the whole package and laid the foundation we stand on now,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Part of the reason why this city is what it is is because of Russell Westbrook. He deserves all of those flowers.”

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. local time in City Hall.