Russell Westbrook, the absolute legend, has officially thrown his name into the ring for a massive role in the 2028 Summer Olympics, declaring he wants to carry the Olympic torch right there in his hometown of Los Angeles. This isn’t just a casual wish; he put it out there on Friday, according to LoJo Media, during a huge moment.
Why Not? Russ Is Already Making A Massive Impact
Westbrook made his intentions clear while the Los Angeles City Council honored him for his incredible community service efforts. He didn’t mince words either, saying, “I’m putting this out now: I want to be in the presentation of Los Angeles, as it pertains to carrying the torch during the 2028 Olympics,” as reported by ESPN’s Ben Golliver. You know Russ, always direct! Born and raised in LA, and a UCLA alum for a year before hitting the NBA in 2008, his roots run deep in the city. And let’s be real, his commitment goes way beyond the court.
Back in 2012, Westbrook founded the Why Not? Foundation. That foundation is all about creating pathways for underserved communities, focusing on educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. The whole “Why Not?” mindset is personal for him, and the foundation aims to instill that same drive in youth, giving them the tools for success. It’s clear this isn’t just about athletic achievement for Westbrook; it’s about a deep, sustained commitment to his community.
More Than Just Buckets: A Legacy Of Leadership
His 18-year NBA career was nothing short of phenomenal, with averages of 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He’s a nine-time All-NBA player, led the league in assists three times, snagged two scoring titles, and was the 2016-17 NBA MVP. Oh, and don’t forget, he averaged a triple-double a ridiculous four different times. He made a huge impact on the court, especially with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2019, and he’s rightfully a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
But now, it’s clear his vision extends to the 2028 Games. He told Golliver, “To be able to [carry the torch], you have to be able to position yourself to have your hands in so many different areas. For me, I’m working religiously impacting so many people, advancing technology, energy, education, health care, mental health and wellness. Every aspect, I want to have my hands in to help any way I can.” That’s the kind of dedication that makes you think, “Yeah, he really means it.” The Olympic and Paralympic Committee said the torch relay will kick off in the spring of 2028 in Atlanta, which hosted the last Summer Olympics in the US back in 1996. So, the journey begins there, but Russ wants to bring it home to LA.
So, as we look toward the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, keep an eye on this. Westbrook isn’t just wishing for a moment in the spotlight; he’s laying out a clear vision for why he deserves it, rooted in years of hard work and community impact. The Emerald City will be watching to see if this NBA icon gets his shot to light up his hometown.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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