Russell Westbrook’s latest move hints at bigger plans beyond basketball
Westbrook is up to something, even at 37 years old.
Russell Westbrook’s latest move hints at bigger plans beyond basketball originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Even at 37 years old, Russell Westbrook still is not slowing down.
The longtime NBA star remains undecided about whether he will return for a 19th professional season after finishing the year with the Sacramento Kings , but he already appears to be laying the groundwork for what life after basketball could eventually look like. On Thursday, Westbrook announced he is stepping into a major leadership role tied to the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles , becoming Co-Chair of LACI’s “Road to 2028” initiative. The announcement offered a different glimpse into Westbrook’s future — one focused less on triple-doubles and more on community investment, clean energy, and large-scale projects tied to his hometown.
Russell Westbrook is taking on a major role before the 2028 Olympics Westbrook revealed the news through social media while sharing details about the initiative’s goals ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles. The program is centered around expanding clean transportation, electric vehicle accessibility, clean energy infrastructure, and economic opportunities leading into the international event. In a statement released alongside the announcement, Westbrook explained that he wants to help attract investment and create opportunities in local communities before the world arrives in Los Angeles in July 2028.
The former MVP is also expected to serve as a featured speaker at the Road to 2028 Summit this summer at Intuit Dome. For a player whose career has always been tied closely to intensity and relentless energy, the move represents a surprisingly expansive off-court pivot. MORE : Cowboys’ 6,500-mile nightmare has Jerry Jones' team facing serious challenges Westbrook’s NBA future still remains uncertain The timing of the announcement is especially interesting given the uncertainty surrounding Westbrook’s basketball future.