Russell Westbrook Explains NBA Retirement Decision, Talks Life After Basketball & More in New Video

Russell Westbrook discussed his decision to retire from the NBA ahead of the 2026-27 season.

"I just felt for me, it was a timing thing," Westbrook said in an interview with Good Morning America's Michael Strahan (0:27 mark). "I've played 18 full seasons and I gave the game everything I had. Every night I competed at the highest level. Every time I stepped on that floor, I played like it was my last. I don't think you can do much more for the game by doing that."

The veteran point guard confirmed that he would be stepping away from the sport on Aug. 12.

He also explained what he wants his legacy to be as he begins life after basketball.

"I think legacy is something that in the sports world, as you know, it's based around championships and trophies," Westbrook told Strahan (3:34 mark). "I just think opposite of that. I think legacy is based around what you're able to do with the platform, the things you've been given and how you helped to impact and inspire other people."

Westbrook put together a stellar NBA career in which he racked up nine All-Star nods, nine All-NBA selections, two scoring titles and one MVP award. He averaged a triple-double in four separate seasons.

The 37-year-old owns career averages of 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

Westbrook sits at No. 14 on the NBA's all-time scoring list and No. 5 on the league's all-time assists leaderboard. His 209 triple-doubles are also the most in the history of the association.