Westbrook wants 2028 LA Olympics torchbearer role — SkimNews
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- Russell Westbrook said Friday he wants to be a torchbearer for the 2028 Summer Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles, calling it a goal he's 'putting out now' after being honored by the L.A. City Council for community service work.
- Westbrook retired in August after 18 NBA seasons, having won Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games; he finished as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, a nine-time All-Star, and the 2017 MVP.
- Westbrook said he has 'challenged' his Why Not? Foundation employees to expand philanthropic efforts across technology, energy, education, health care, and mental health to position himself for the torchbearer role.
- Councilwoman Heather Hutt saluted Westbrook as a 'humanitarian' for his investments in local schools, athletic facilities, and development projects, as he tied his legacy to giving back to L.A.
- Kevin Durant said Westbrook's retirement left him 'a little sad,' adding: 'I thought Russ still had five or six more years left' — a nod to Westbrook's still-productive 15.2-point, 6.7-assist season with the Sacramento Kings.
- Westbrook's L.A. roots run through Leuzinger High School, UCLA, and stints with both the Lakers and Clippers — a two-franchise hometown connection he leaned on Friday when declaring, 'My legacy will be based on how much I give back to the people of L.A.'
Why it matters: Westbrook is leveraging his retirement to pursue a symbolically powerful Olympic role, and the L.A. City Council honor gives him institutional backing. With his Why Not? Foundation now expanding into tech, energy, and health care, his post-playing identity is being built around L.A. civic leadership rather than a coaching or broadcasting path.
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