Russell Westbrook Wants to Be LA Olympics 2028 Torchbearer After NBA Retirement

Former NBA star guard Russell Westbrook wants to carry the Olympic torch in two years, when the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.

Westbrook made his comments Friday, per LoJo Media.

"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," Westbrook said (h/t ESPN's Ben Golliver) on Friday, when the Los Angeles City Council honored the nine-time All-Star for his community service efforts.

Westbrook, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended UCLA for a year before joining the NBA in 2008, founded the Why Not? Foundation in 2012.

"The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved communities in the areas of educational opportunities, workforce development and accessible mental health resources," the foundation's website reads.

"With 'Why Not?' being a personal ignition for Russell Westbrook, the foundation looks to instill this mindset in the youth while offering their resources to set children and their communities up for continued success."

Westbrook enjoyed a great 18-year career, averaging 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. He's a nine-time All-NBA player, three-time assist leader, two-time scoring champion and the 2016-17 NBA MVP. Westbrook also averaged a triple-double on four different occasions.

He made a great impact on the court (especially for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008-2019) and is now a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

In the present date, it's clear Westbrook wants to carry the Olympic torch. He elaborated more, per 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," he said. "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."

Per a United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee press release, the torch relay will begin in the spring of 2028 in Atlanta, where the last Summer Olympics in the United States were held in 1996.