Russell Westbrook Wants to Carry the 2028 Olympic Torch in Los Angeles

Retired NBA star Russell Westbrook announced his ambition to carry the Olympic torch during the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, using his civic ties and philanthropic foundation to secure a role in the event's official presentation.

Honored by the Los Angeles City Council

The 37-year-old guard made his public declaration on Friday after receiving formal recognition from the Los Angeles City Council. Council members honored the Long Beach native for his extensive community engagement through his charitable organization, the Why Not? Foundation. Municipal official Heather Hutt described Westbrook as a humanitarian for his investments in local schools, youth athletic infrastructure, and regional development projects.

Westbrook formally announced his target during the ceremony, stating that he intends to take part in the upcoming Olympic festivities. “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,” he told the council.

Deep Roots across Los Angeles and Olympic History

The athlete’s connection to the host city spans multiple decades and institutions. Growing up in the region, Westbrook attended Leuzinger High School—an institution historically linked to the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics whose students carry the nickname “Olympians”—before playing collegiately at UCLA. His professional career included stints with both local NBA franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, following his selection in the draft.

Westbrook also brings prior Olympic experience to his candidacy. He earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 London Olympic Games before opting out of consideration for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Across 18 professional seasons, the nine-time All-Star and 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player established himself as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles before concluding his career in August after a final season with the Sacramento Kings, during which he posted averages of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 passes décisives, prompting former teammate Kevin Durant to state: I thought Russ still had five or six more years left… Congrats to him on an iconic career.

Expanding Philanthropic Reach for 2028

To qualify for a position in the torch relay, Westbrook explained that he has challenged his foundation staff to broaden their community initiatives. The former player emphasized that carrying the torch requires cross-sector involvement. He pointed to ongoing efforts to advance technology, energy, education, healthcare, mental health, and general wellness across the region.

“Everything I do, from basketball to business, is centered on L.A.,” Westbrook stated. “I wear L.A. on my sleeve. My way of playing, of functioning, even my way of talking and walking, it’s L.A. I’ll never change that.” He added regarding his legacy and transition: While I was playing, [Los Angeles] was my court… Being able to have more time, since my retirement, to give back more and be more present, that’s more important.

Timeline and Selection Procedures for the LA28 Torch Relay

The official route and selection criteria for the torchbearers remain under development by the organizing committee. LA28 officials have confirmed that the relay will commence in the spring of 2028 in Atlanta, Georgia, before traversing all 50 U.S. states prior to arriving in California. The complete path of the torch relay will be officially unveiled in 2027, alongside the final nomination procedures for individuals chosen to carry it.