Russell Westbrook said Friday he wants to carry the torch for Los Angeles at the 2028 Olympics, a personal goal he announced after being honored by the Los Angeles City Council for his community service work. The nine-time All-Star made the comments weeks after announcing his retirement from the NBA.
“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, according to ESPN.
What Westbrook Said About The Westbrook 2028 Olympics Torch Ambition
Westbrook framed the torch as something he has to work toward rather than something already promised to him. He has not been named a torchbearer by any Olympic body, and his remarks describe a goal he is pursuing through his public and charitable work rather than a confirmed role.
“To be able to [carry the torch], you have to be able to position yourself to have your hands in so many different areas,” Westbrook said. He added that he has pushed staff at his Why Not? Foundation to broaden their philanthropic reach in service of that aim.
“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,” Westbrook said.
What It Means
Westbrook’s statement is a declared ambition, not an announcement of a selection. The sources do not indicate that the International Olympic Committee or the Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee has responded to or acted on his comments. Torchbearer selections for past Games have typically come through nominations tied to community impact, and Westbrook’s comments suggest he sees his foundation work as the path toward that recognition, though no formal process has been reported.
Context: Westbrook’s Olympic And NBA Background
Westbrook already has Olympic history. He won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2012 London Games. He retired in August after 18 NBA seasons, finishing as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. The 2017 NBA MVP spent his final season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
Westbrook, 37, played at Leuzinger High School and UCLA before his NBA career, which included stints with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. His ties to the city are part of why he specifically wants a role in the 2028 Games being held there.
What’s Next
No timeline has been reported for when Los Angeles 2028 organizers might address torchbearer selections. Westbrook indicated his foundation work will continue to expand as he pursues the goal, but any formal decision on torchbearers for the Games has not been addressed in the available reporting.
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