Former National Basketball Association star Russell Westbrook has officially announced a new ambitious goal following the conclusion of his illustrious 18-year professional career. The athlete, who turned 37 in October 2026, expressed a firm intention to become one of the official torchbearers for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The basketball player voiced his desire immediately after the Los Angeles City Council publicly recognized his massive contribution to the development of the local community and support for underprivileged populations.
A New Chapter Beyond the Basketball Court
Russell Westbrook emphasized that he views the upcoming Olympics as a unique opportunity to represent his hometown on the global stage, but in an entirely new capacity. Behind the renowned guard lies a brilliant sports biography, including a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London won as part of Team USA. Now, the athlete intends to channel his triumphant experience into civic and philanthropic activities, becoming a symbol of a planetary-scale sports celebration.
Large-Scale Plans for the "Why Not?" Foundation
In addition to participating in the Olympic torch relay, Westbrook is actively developing his charity organization, the "Why Not? Foundation." He recently tasked his team with significantly expanding the organization's operational horizons. The former NBA star plans to exert a systematic impact on various spheres of public life—ranging from quality school education and accessible healthcare to supporting citizens' mental health, modern technologies, and green energy initiatives.
Sports Legacy and Connection to Los Angeles
Russell's deep connection to Los Angeles was forged in his youth: he attended a local high school and successfully played for the UCLA university team before defending the colors of NBA powerhouses such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. In August 2026, Westbrook officially retired as a player, leaving behind a historic record for the most triple-doubles in NBA regular-season history, the 2016/17 MVP award, and nine All-Star selections.
