{{short description|American basketball player (born 1988)}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = Russell Westbrook | image = Russell Westbrook (March 21, 2022) (cropped).jpg | image_size = | caption = Westbrook with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022 | position = Point guard | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 4 | weight_lb = 200 | league = NBA | team = Sacramento Kings | number = 18 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|11|12}} | birth_place = Long Beach, California, U.S. | high_school = Leuzinger (Lawndale, California) | college = UCLA (2006–2008) | draft_year = 2008 | draft_round = 1 | draft_pick = 4 | draft_team = Seattle SuperSonics | career_start = 2008 | career_end = | years1 = {{nbay|2008|start}}–{{nbay|2018|end}} | team1 = Oklahoma City Thunder | years2 = {{nbay|2019|full=y}} | team2 = Houston Rockets | years3 = {{nbay|2020|full=y}} | team3 = Washington Wizards | years4 = {{nbay|2021|start}}–{{nbay|2022|end}} | team4 = Los Angeles Lakers | years5 = {{nbay|2022|end}}–{{nbay|2023|end}} | team5 = Los Angeles Clippers | years6 = {{nbay|2024|full=y}} | team6 = Denver Nuggets | years7 = {{nbay|2025|start}}–present | team7 = Sacramento Kings | highlights = * NBA Most Valuable Player ({{nbay|2016|end}}) * 9× NBA All-Star ({{nasg|2011}}–{{nasg|2013}}, {{nasg|2015}}–{{nasg|2020}}) * 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP ({{nasg|2015}}, {{nasg|2016}}) * 2× All-NBA First Team ({{nbay|2015|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}}) * 5× All-NBA Second Team ({{nbay|2010|end}}–{{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2017|end}}) * 2× All-NBA Third Team ({{nbay|2018|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}}) * NBA All-Rookie First Team ({{nbay|2008|end}}) * 2× NBA scoring champion ({{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}}) * 3× NBA assists leader ({{nbay|2017|end}}, {{nbay|2018|end}}, {{nbay|2020|end}}) * NBA 75th Anniversary Team * Third-team All-Pac-10 (2008) * Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008) * Pac-10 All-Defensive Team (2008) | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's basketball}} {{MedalCountry|the {{bk|USA}}}} {{MedalCompetition | Olympic Games}} {{MedalGold|2012 London|Team competition}} {{MedalCompetition|World Championship/World Cup}} {{MedalGold| 2010 Turkey | Team competition}} }} '''Russell Westbrook III''' (born November 12, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his agility, intensity and explosiveness, he is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=20 greatest point guards ever: The HoopsHype list |url=https://hoopshype.com/lists/20-greatest-point-guards-ever-the-hoopshype-list-magic-johnson-stephen-curry-oscar-robertson/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=HoopsHype |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2996572/2021/12/10/nba-75-at-no-46-russell-westbrook-is-a-mercurial-private-perfectionist-and-the-triple-double-king/ | title=NBA 75: At No. 46, Russell Westbrook is a mercurial, private perfectionist and the triple-double king | last=Horne | first=Erik | work=The New York Times | date=December 17, 2021 }}</ref> Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star and earned the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell Westbrook All Star Selections |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/russell-westbrook-all-star-selections |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Russell Westbrook Wins 2016-17 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award |url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/westbrook-nba-mvp-170626 |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=NBA |language=en}}</ref> He is also a nine-time All-NBA Team member; a two-time NBA scoring leader, having led the league in 2014–15 and 2016–17; a three-time NBA assists leader; and a back-to-back NBA All-Star Game MVP. Westbrook is one of three players in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. He has achieved that feat four times and is the all-time NBA leader in career triple-doubles. He holds the record for the most career rebounds by a guard. In 2021, Westbrook was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most triple-doubles in NBA history {{!}} NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/news/most-triple-doubles-in-nba-history |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=NBA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced {{!}} NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=NBA |language=en}}</ref>
Westbrook played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins and earned third-team all-conference honors in the Pac-10. He was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who then relocated to Oklahoma City that same week. Westbrook played for the Thunder for 11 seasons and is the team's all-time leading scorer. He appeared in the NBA Finals as a member of the Thunder in 2012, losing to the Miami Heat. In 2019, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets, playing one season for the organization before being traded again to the Washington Wizards in 2020. After a season in Washington, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021. Following two relatively disappointing seasons there, he was traded to and bought out by the Utah Jazz before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers later in the 2022–23 season. In the summer of 2024, he was again traded to the Utah Jazz and waived preceding his signing with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024–25 season, followed by his signing with the Sacramento Kings for the 2025–26 season.
Westbrook has represented the United States national team twice, winning gold medals in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell Westbrook |url=https://www.usab.com/players/russell-westbrook |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=USA Basketball |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life== {{Anchor|Khelcey Barrs III}}
Russell Westbrook III<ref>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Sam|title=The Misunderstood Genius of Russell Westbrook|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/magazine/the-misunderstood-genius-of-russell-westbrook.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=February 1, 2017}}</ref> was born in Long Beach, California,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Russell Westbrook: Biography, NBA Player, Clippers Point Guard |url=https://www.biography.com/athletes/russell-westbrook |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Biography |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moreno |first=Matthew |date=2019-01-03 |title=Lakers News: Lonzo Ball Looking Forward To First Matchup With Russell Westbrook |url=https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lonzo-ball-first-matchup-russell-westbrook-thunder/#google_vignette |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Lakers Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> to Russell Westbrook Jr. and Shannon Horton. He has a younger brother named Raynard.<ref>{{cite news | first = Ananth | last = Pandian | url = http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25181288/look-westbrook-hands-his-brother-diploma-during-college-graduation | title = LOOK: Westbrook hands his brother diploma during college graduation | work = CBSSports.com | date = May 11, 2015 | access-date = May 17, 2016}}</ref> Growing up in Hawthorne,<ref>{{cite news|last=Tramel |first=Berry |title=Russell Westbrook needs to take over |date=March 14, 2013 |newspaper=The Oklahoman |url=http://newsok.com/berry-tramel-russell-westbrook-needs-to-take-over/article/3455284?custom_click=pod_headline_nba-news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024256/http://newsok.com/berry-tramel-russell-westbrook-needs-to-take-over/article/3455284?custom_click=pod_headline_nba-news |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Guardabascio |first=Mike |title=Russell Westbrook's Story Is Quintessential Long Beach |date=July 23, 2012 |work=gazettes.com |url=http://www.gazettes.com/sports/feature-russell-westbrook-s-story-is-quintessential-long-beach/article_8c544144-d559-11e1-8c3e-001a4bcf887a.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727031928/http://www.gazettes.com/sports/feature-russell-westbrook-s-story-is-quintessential-long-beach/article_8c544144-d559-11e1-8c3e-001a4bcf887a.html |archive-date=July 27, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Westbrook and his best friend Khelcey Barrs III had hopes of going to UCLA and playing together.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://gnli.christianpost.com/video/russell-westbrooks-touching-kb3-story-an-la-story-19537 | title = Russell Westbrook's Touching KB3 Story An LA Story | work = christianpost.com | date = October 28, 2013 | access-date = May 17, 2016 | archive-date = May 27, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160527152608/http://gnli.christianpost.com/video/russell-westbrooks-touching-kb3-story-an-la-story-19537 | url-status = dead }}</ref> At age 16, Barrs was already known to have excellent basketball skills and received college scholarship offers.<ref name="vice-kb3">{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2017 |title="I Believe that Khelcey's Energy Is Inside Russell": The Legacy of Khelcey Barrs |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/russell-westbrook-the-legacy-of-khelcey-barrs/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=vice.com |quote=On May 9, 2004, he debuted in Los Angeles' prestigious Drew League at age 16, a rarity for such a young player. DePaul, the school where Wright had committed prior to opting for the NBA draft, extended the first scholarship offer, with a truckload more to come. USC watched him work out. They were drawn to his frame, long and projectable, but more so to the preternatural polish in his game. "You had this sophomore who could rebound the ball, dribble the ball up court, and set somebody else up," says Patrick Cleveland, a former high-school teammate who is now an assistant coach at Leuzinger. "He could go coast to coast and finish. He could shoot the ball. He can pass the ball. He defends."}}</ref> In May 2004, Barrs died from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1030175E286D53DE&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |title=Leuzinger Hoops Star Collapses, Dies |newspaper=Long Beach Press-Telegram |date=May 13, 2004 |access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Markazi">{{cite news | first = Arash | last = Markazi | url = https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5150492 | title = Westbrook: The honor guard | work = ESPN.com | date = April 30, 2010 | access-date = March 27, 2020}}</ref> After Barrs' death, Westbrook seemed even more determined to excel in honor of his best friend's memory.<ref name="vice-kb3"/> Westbrook never fails to wear a "KB3" wristband in loving memory of his best friend.<ref>{{cite web | last=Pandian | first=Ananth | title=Here's why Russell Westbrook writes 'KB3' on his Jordan sneakers | website=247Sports | date=March 21, 2018 | url=https://247sports.com/article/russell-westbrook-kb3-jordan-sneakers-116532648/ | access-date=May 2, 2026}}</ref>
==High school career== Westbrook entered Leuzinger High School as a point guard who stood only {{height|ft=5|in=8}} tall and weighed only {{convert|140|lb}}, although he did have large (size 14) feet. He did not start on his school's varsity team until his junior year,<ref name="Markazi"/> and did not receive his first college recruiting letter until the summer before his senior year. Westbrook attained his adult height of {{height|ft=6|in=3}} that same summer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sondheimer |first=Eric |date=2009-07-23 |title=Boys' basketball: Leuzinger is school of late bloomers |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/varsity-times-insider/story/2009-07-23/boys-basketball-leuzinger-is-school-of-late-bloomers |access-date=2024-11-05 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/russellwestbrook?v=info |title=Russell Westbrook |publisher=Facebook |date=November 12, 1988 |access-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref>
During his senior year, Westbrook averaged 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 assists and helped lead them to a 25–4 record. That same season, he recorded 14 double-doubles, scored 30 or more points on eight separate occasions, and registered a career-best 51 points at Carson on January 6, 2006. Westbrook initially did not attract much attention from top college basketball programs.<ref name="Biography">{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook Biography (1988–)|url=https://www.biography.com/athlete/russell-westbrook|website=Biography.com|access-date=October 28, 2021|date=May 27, 2015}}</ref> After his height increased, contributing to him averaging more than 25 points per game and becoming a solid college basketball prospect, coach Ben Howland recruited him to play for the UCLA Bruins.<ref name="Biography"/> Westbrook declined other offers while waiting for the Bruins' Jordan Farmar to leave early for the NBA and free up a scholarship.<ref>{{cite news|title=Commentary: Hard work, dedication paying off for UCLA's Westbrook|date=August 29, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2008/01/16/commentary-hard-work-dedication-paying-off-for-uclas-westbrook/|access-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Berry|last=Tramel|title=Ex-Bruin impressed by Westbrook's game|date=April 21, 2010|newspaper=The Oklahoman|page=10C|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95068731/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref> {{College athlete recruit start|40=no|year=2006}} {{College athlete recruit entry | recruit = Russell Westbrook | position = PG | hometown = Lawndale, California | highschool = Leuzinger High | feet = 6 | inches = 2 | weight = 175 | commitdate = April 19, 2006 | scout stars = 4 | rivals stars = 3 | 247 stars = 3 }} {{College athlete recruit end | 40 = no | year = 2006 | rivals ref title = 2006 UCLA Basketball Commitment List | scout ref title = 2006 UCLA College Basketball Team Recruiting Prospects | rivals school = ucla | scout s = 75 | scout overall = 66 (national); 21 (school) | rivals overall = | accessdate = February 27, 2017 | archivedate = | rivals archiveurl = | scout archiveurl = | espn archiveurl = | bball = yes }}
==College career== [[File:Russell Westbrook guarding OJ Mayo cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Westbrook playing defense on USC's O. J. Mayo]] Upon arriving at the University of California, Los Angeles, Westbrook's high school jersey number 4 was already taken by Arron Afflalo, so Westbrook wore number 0 throughout his time at UCLA.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Wimbish |first=Jasmyn |date=2024-08-27 |title=Russell Westbrook explains jersey number change with Nuggets, says he never asked Christian Braun for No. 0 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-explains-jersey-number-change-with-nuggets-says-he-never-asked-christian-braun-for-no-0/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> As a freshman in 2006–07, he played as a backup to Darren Collison and was primarily used as a defender and energy player off the bench. Westbrook averaged 3.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists on the year. During the off-season, he trained extensively, both in the weight room and in the gym, where he faced NBA veterans who visited Los Angeles.<ref name=tramel_04172010>{{cite news|first=Berry|last=Tramel|title=The Right Stuff|date=April 17, 2010|newspaper=The Oklahoman|pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95074689/ 3C]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95074696/|access-date=February 16, 2022|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The next season, Collison was injured and Westbrook was named the starter. He finished the season averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.6 steals. At the end of the year, he was named All-Pac-10 Third Team and won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name=cstv_03102008>{{cite news|title=UCLA Dominates Pac-10 Player of the Year Honors|date=March 10, 2008|website=CSTV.com|url=http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/031008ado.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205132757/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/031008ado.html|archivedate=February 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
UCLA advanced to the Final Four during each of Westbrook's seasons with the team. In 2007, they lost to eventual national champion Florida, 76–66, and in 2008, they lost 78–63 to Memphis. After two years at UCLA, Westbrook decided to forgo his final two years and enter the 2008 NBA draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2008/profiles/RussellWestbrook.html |title=Russell Westbrook Draft 2008 Profile |work=NBA.com |date=November 12, 1988 |access-date=December 29, 2010}}</ref> He stayed in school and finished the quarter, a rarity for high draft picks declaring early for the draft.<ref name=tramel_04172010/>
==Professional career== ===Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2019)=== ====All-Rookie honors and first playoffs (2008–10)==== [[File:Russell Westbrook vs Celtics.jpg|thumb|upright|left|200px|Westbrook (left) looks at then-teammate Kevin Durant in the post against Boston in 2010.]]
Westbrook was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, which then relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder six days later.<ref>{{cite web | last=Allen | first=Percy | title=Sonics take UCLA's Russell Westbrook with the No. 4 draft pick | website=The Seattle Times | date=June 27, 2008 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/sonics-take-uclas-russell-westbrook-with-the-no-4-draft-pick/ | access-date=May 2, 2026}}</ref> He signed with the team on July 5, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 5, 2008 |title=Westbrook, White sign rookie deals with SuperSonics |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3474388 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Westbrook was again unable to wear his old number 4 jersey, as Nick Collison was already wearing it, so instead he wore 0 again. He would not wear the number 4 jersey until the 2023–24 season.<ref name=":0" /> On March 2, 2009, Westbrook recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He was the first rookie since Chris Paul and the third rookie in Sonics/Thunder franchise history (Art Harris and Gary Payton) to record a triple-double.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 3, 2009 |title=ESPN – Notes, Stats and Trends from Research March 3, 2009 |url=https://insider.espn.com/insider/insider/news/story?id=3948232 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in his rookie season. He finished fourth in the 2008–09 NBA Rookie of the Year voting<ref>[http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/22/rose.roy.release/index.html Bulls' Rose takes home Rookie of Year Award] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425041956/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/22/rose.roy.release/index.html |date=April 25, 2009 }}, NBA.com, April 22, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.</ref> and was named to the NBA's NBA All-Rookie First Team.<ref name="Biography"/>
In his second season, and his first season as a full-time starter, Westbrook averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. The Thunder made a huge turnaround by more than doubling their wins from the previous season and qualified for the playoffs with a 50–32 record. The Thunder were eliminated by the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. In the series, Westbrook stepped up his play from the regular season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.2 steals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westbrook Vs Lakers 2010 Playoffs |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/westbrook-vs-lakers-2010-playoffs |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref>
====First All-Star, All-NBA and NBA Finals appearances (2010–12)==== thumb|left|Westbrook in March 2011 On November 26, 2010, Westbrook scored a then-career-high 43 points against the Indiana Pacers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201011260IND.html |title=Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers Box Score, November 26, 2010 |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |date=November 26, 2010 |access-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref> Westbrook was selected by NBA head coaches to be a Western Conference reserve for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Royce |date=February 3, 2011 |title=Russell Westbrook selected to Western Conference All-Star team |url=http://www.dailythunder.com/2011/02/russell-westbrook-selected-to-western-conference-all-star-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708221500/http://www.dailythunder.com/2011/02/russell-westbrook-selected-to-western-conference-all-star-team/ |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=February 3, 2011 |work=Daily Thunder}}</ref> This was his first all-star appearance. Westbrook finished the season with averages of 21.9 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team for the first time. The Thunder finished the season at 55–27 and lost to the eventual world champion Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Westbrook averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russell Westbrook 2011 Playoff Stats |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/russell-westbrook-2011-playoff-stats |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref>
Due to the lockout, the 2011–12 season would start on Christmas Day. On January 9, 2012, Westbrook would sign a 5-year, $80 million extension to keep him in Oklahoma City through the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayberry |first=Darnell |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Russell Westbrook agrees to 5-year contract extension with Oklahoma City Thunder |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/01/19/russell-westbrook-agrees-to-5-year-contract-extension-with-oklahoma-city-thunder/61103518007/ |access-date=June 21, 2025 |website=Oklahoman.com}}</ref> On February 9, was again selected by the coaches to participate in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. On March 23, 2012, he scored a career-high 45 points in a 149–140 double overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web | title=Thunder Outlast T-Wolves In 2OT 149-140 | website=KOCO | date=March 23, 2012| url=https://www.koco.com/article/thunder-outlast-t-wolves-in-2ot-149-140/4287834 | access-date=May 3, 2026}}</ref> He averaged 23.6 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals for the lockout-shortened season and was voted to the All-NBA Second Team for the second year in a row.
Westbrook helped lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals for the first time since the franchise relocated, but they would lose in five games to the Miami Heat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NBA Finals - Heat vs. Thunder |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2012-nba-finals-heat-vs-thunder.html |access-date=2026-05-03 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On June 12, in Game 1 of the Finals, Westbrook recorded 27 points and 11 assists in a 105–94 victory. In a Game 4 loss, Westbrook scored a playoff career-high 43 points.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Heat overcome Russell Westbrook's 43 points, take 3–1 Finals lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/320619014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418201101/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/320619014 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
====Season-ending injury (2012–13)==== thumb|upright|Westbrook drives to the basket in March 2011. Westbrook was once again selected for the NBA All-Star Game.<ref name="AllStar-2013-roster">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/allstar/2013/players/index.html|title=All-Star 2013 Roster|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|work=NBA.com|access-date=January 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121081048/http://www.nba.com/allstar/2013/players/index.html|archive-date=January 21, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished the 2012–13 season averaging 23.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/russell_westbrook/career_stats.html|title=Russell Westbrook Career Stats|work=NBA.com|access-date=April 26, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202220637/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/russell_westbrook/career_stats.html|archive-date=December 2, 2010}}</ref> Westbrook helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs and the first seed in the Western Conference. They would go on to face the 8th seed Houston Rockets in the first round.<ref name=Thunder-Rockets/> On April 25, 2013, in the second game of the series, Westbrook injured his right knee when Rockets guard Patrick Beverley collided with him in an attempt to steal the ball. Although Westbrook was clearly bothered by the injury, he would continue playing and finished the game with 29 points. It was revealed the next day that he had suffered a slight tear in his right meniscus.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |date=April 26, 2013 |title=Thunder's Russell Westbrook out of playoff run indefinitely with knee injury, needs surgery |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/thunders-russell-westbrook-out-of-playoff-run-indefinitely-with-knee-injury-needs-surgery |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=FOX News}}</ref> He had surgery on April 27, 2013, and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release_westbrook_130427|title=Westbrook Undergoes Successful Surgery|website=NBA.com |date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> Without Westbrook, the Thunder defeated the Rockets in six games,<ref name=Thunder-Rockets>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Patrick|date=May 4, 2013|title=Thunder advance to second round|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/5/4/4298986/nba-playoffs-2013-rockets-thunder-score-results|access-date=May 18, 2021|work=SB Nation}}</ref> but fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in five games in the next round.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schroeder|first=George|date=May 16, 2013|title=Grizzlies advance as Kevin Durant, Thunder sulk off|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2013/05/16/oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-memphis-grizzlies-game-5-score-kevin-durant/2164751/|access-date=May 18, 2021|work=USA Today}}</ref> Westbrook was named to the All-NBA Second Team for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Year-by-year All-NBA Teams |url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-nba-teams |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=NBA.com}}</ref>
====Multiple surgeries and comeback (2013–15)==== Prior to the start of the 2013–14 season, Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, which set back his return to basketball.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/10/01/russell-westbrook-knee-surgery-injury-update-oklahoma-city-thunder/|title=Thunder's Russell Westbrook out first 4–6 weeks of season after second knee surgery|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=October 2, 2013|last=Golliver |first=Ben|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001191326/http://nba.si.com/2013/10/01/russell-westbrook-knee-surgery-injury-update-oklahoma-city-thunder/|archive-date=October 1, 2013}}</ref> Despite reports that he would miss the first two weeks of the regular season, Westbrook only missed the first two games before returning to action.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thunder 103-96 Suns (Nov 3, 2013) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488917 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> On December 26, however, it was announced that Westbrook would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and would be out until after the All-Star break.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Westbrook out through All-Star break |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10201848 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The Thunder were able to remain competitive despite his absence due mainly to Kevin Durant's stellar play. Westbrook returned to the lineup on February 20, 2014. He played the rest of the season on limited minutes and sat out the second night of back-to-backs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branch |first=John |author-link=John Branch (journalist) |date=2014-04-18 |title=Thunder's Lofty Hopes Rest on a Fragile Hinge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/19/sports/basketball/wild-card-is-westbrooks-knee-as-thunder-begin-playoffs.html |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
Westbrook and the Thunder finished with a 59–23 record, earning the second seed in the Western Conference. They advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the San Antonio Spurs. On May 27, 2014, in a Game 4 victory, Westbrook recorded 40 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals. The Thunder lost the series to the eventual NBA champion Spurs in six games. Westbrook averaged 26.7 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russel Westbrook Playoff Stats 2014 |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/russel-westbrook-playoff-stats-2014 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Russell Westbrook shoots against Cavs (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|200px|Westbrook goes up for a layup against Cleveland in 2015.]] After scoring 38 points in a 106–89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2014–15 season opener, Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He missed 14 games with the injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Markazi |first=Arash |date=October 31, 2014 |title=Russell Westbrook fractures hand |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11794516 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> With Westbrook and Durant both inactive due to injuries, the Thunder amassed a 4–12 record prior to Westbrook's return on November 28. In Westbrook's first game back, he led the Thunder to a win over the New York Knicks with 32 points. Durant returned the following game to face the New Orleans Pelicans, and the pair helped the Thunder go on a seven-game winning streak to return to playoff contention.<ref name=bref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01/gamelog/2015/|title=Russell Westbrook 2014-15 Game Log - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com}}</ref>
After tying a career-high 45 points on February 4, 2015, in a 102–91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150204/OKCNOP/gameinfo.html|title=Thunder at Pelicans|website=NBA.com }}</ref> Westbrook broke that mark to score a new career high of 48 points two days later, this time in a 116–113 loss to the Pelicans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pelicans at Thunder|website=NBA.com |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150206/NOPOKC/gameinfo.html}}</ref> After being injured the previous year, Westbrook returned to the All-Star Game in 2015. He tallied 41 points and was named the All-Star MVP.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=NBA All-Star game updates: West beats the East, 163–158 |date=February 15, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-star-game-updates-20150215-story.html#page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216050029/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nba-all-star-game-updates-20150215-story.html |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 27, in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Westbrook recorded 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to become the first player to have three straight triple-doubles since LeBron James did so in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150227/OKCPOR/gameinfo.html|title=Thunder at Trail Blazers|website=NBA.com }}</ref>
On March 4, Westbrook set career highs with 49 points and 16 rebounds. He added 10 assists for his fourth consecutive triple-double, helping the Thunder defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 123–118 in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150304/PHIOKC/gameinfo.html|title=76ers at Thunder|website=NBA.com }}</ref> His streak came to an end the following night against the Chicago Bulls as he recorded 43 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in a 105–108 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150305/OKCCHI/gameinfo.html|title=Thunder at Bulls|website=NBA.com }}</ref> On April 12, he scored a career-high 54 points on 21-of-43 shooting in a losing effort to the Indiana Pacers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150412/OKCIND/gameinfo.html|title=Thunder at Pacers|website=NBA.com }}</ref> He went on to help the Thunder win the team's final two games of the 2014–15 season; nevertheless, the team missed the playoffs, finishing ninth in the West with a 45–37 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Team Standings & Stats |url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2014-15 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.nba.com}}</ref>
====Second All-Star Game MVP and coming up short (2015–16)==== On October 30, 2015, to begin the 2015–16 season, Westbrook and Durant each scored 40 points against the Orlando Magic.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ogden |first=Rob |url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1060861/russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-first-duo-score-40-since-michael-jordan-scottie-pippen |title=Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant are first duo to each score 40 since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen |work=SunTimes.com |date=October 30, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015521/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1060861/russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-first-duo-score-40-since-michael-jordan-scottie-pippen |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kramer |first=Daniel |date=October 31, 2015 |title=Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Combine for 91 Points in 2OT Win vs. Magic |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2584531-kevin-durant-and-russell-westbrook-combine-for-91-points-in-2ot-win-vs-magic |access-date=March 15, 2018 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> On January 4, Westbrook was named Western Conference co-Player of the Month for December alongside Durant.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wizards' John Wall, and Thunder's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook named Kia NBA Players of the Month | website=NBA.com| date=January 4, 2016 | url=https://pr.nba.com/john-wall-kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-kia-nba-players-of-the-month/ | access-date=April 30, 2026}}</ref>
[[File:Damian Lillard vs Russel Westbrook (23680791964).jpg|thumb|right|Westbrook defending Damian Lillard in January 2016]] Westbrook was voted to start in his first All-Star Game in 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/21/2016-all-star-starters-release/index.html |title=Lakers' Bryant holds off Warriors' Curry to finish as top All-Star vote-getter |work=NBA.com |date=January 21, 2016 |access-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref> and he earned his second All-Star Game MVP award in a 196–173 win by the West. He recorded 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals in 22 minutes, and became the first player in All-Star history to win consecutive MVPs outright.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russell Westbrook wins second straight All-Star Game MVP award |date=February 15, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14779977 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216030707/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14779977/2016-nba-all-star-game-russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-wins-mvp-award |archive-date=February 16, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 22, he recorded his 15th triple-double of the season and 34th of his career with 21 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in a 111–107 win over the Houston Rockets, amassing the most triple-doubles by a player in a season since 1988–89, when Magic Johnson had 17 and Michael Jordan had 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160322/HOUOKC/gameinfo.html|title=Rockets vs Thunder|website=NBA.com }}</ref>
In the playoffs, Westbrook helped guide the Thunder past the Dallas Mavericks in the first round and the San Antonio Spurs in the second round. In the Western Conference Finals, they faced the defending champion Golden State Warriors, taking home court advantage after stealing Game 1 of the series on the road. With the series tied at 1–1 after Game 2, the Thunder returned home and took a 3–1 advantage with two home wins. In Game 4, Westbrook recorded his fifth career playoff triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a 118–94 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160524/GSWOKC/gameinfo.html|title=Warriors vs Thunder|website=NBA.com }}</ref> Despite leading the series 3–1, the Thunder were defeated four games to three by the Warriors to bow out of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Rodger |date=May 31, 2016 |title=The Thunder lost, but they aren't losers |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2016/5/31/11816738/oklahoma-city-thunder-choke-collapse-no-warriors-nba-playoffs |access-date=May 27, 2021 |website=SB Nation}}</ref>
====MVP and first triple-double season (2016–17)==== [[File:Russell Westbrook (32891950495).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Westbrook with André Roberson]] Following the off-season departure of Durant, trade speculation began swirling around Westbrook, whose contract was set to expire in 2017. The Thunder were determined to keep Westbrook and held off all trade talks in order to work out an extension.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Luke |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Thunder Sign Russell Westbrook To Extension |url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/08/thunder-russell-westbrook-agree-to-extension.html |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=HoopsRumors.com}}</ref> On August 4, 2016, Westbrook signed a three-year, $85.7 million contract extension with the Thunder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-westbrook-160804 |title=Thunder Signs Westbrook to Contract Extension |work=NBA.com |date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2016 |author=Chris Broussard and Ramona Shelburne |title=Russell Westbrook: 'Nowhere else I'd rather be than Oklahoma City' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17220556 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He became the focal point of the team.<ref name=deb_08102021>{{cite news|first=Sopan|last=Deb|title=Westbrook Always Plays With Stars. But Will They Align on the Lakers?|date=August 10, 2021|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/sports/basketball/russell-westbrook-trade-lakers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810042250/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/sports/basketball/russell-westbrook-trade-lakers.html |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |url-access=limited|access-date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> On December 9, Westbrook recorded his seventh straight triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 102–99 loss to the Houston Rockets. This streak was the longest triple-double streak since Michael Jordan had seven straight triple-doubles in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 9, 2016 |title=Rockets overcome Westbrook's 7th straight triple-double |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899783 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
On January 23, Westbrook hit a pull-up jumper with 1.4 seconds left to lift the Thunder to a 97–95 win over the Utah Jazz. He finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his 22nd triple-double of the season.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Westbrook hits game-winner as Thunder beat Jazz 97–95 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900094 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Two days later, he had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 114–105 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, thus passing Bird with his 60th career triple-double.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 25, 2017 |title=Russell Westbrook moves past Larry Bird into 5th on triple-doubles list |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900107 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
[[File:Russell Westbrook (32077032673).jpg|thumb|upright|Westbrook shooting over Washington's John Wallin 2017]] On March 7, Westbrook's career-high 58 points was not enough to lift the Thunder over the Portland Trail Blazers, losing 126–121.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 7, 2017 |title=Trail Blazers overcome Westbrook's 58 to top Thunder 126–121 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900341 |access-date=March 8, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Westbrook went on to tie Oscar Robertson's single-season record of 41 triple-doubles on April 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brunt|first=Cliff|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/04/04/russell-westbrook-ties-oscar-robertson-triple-double-record|title=Russell Westbrook ties Oscar Robertson's season triple-double record of 41|work=NBA.com|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref> His historic 42nd triple-double, breaking Robertson's record of most triple-doubles in a season, came in a 106–105 road victory against the Denver Nuggets on April 9 in which the team overcame a 14-point deficit. Westbrook scored 18 of his 50 points, including a 36-foot game-winning buzzer-beater, in the game's last five minutes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosminder|first=Nick|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/09/russell-westbrooks-record-performance-eliminates-nuggets/|title=Russell Westbrook's record performance eliminates Nuggets from playoff|work=DenverPost.com|date=April 9, 2017|access-date=April 9, 2017}}</ref> Westbrook became just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, after Oscar Robertson.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacMahon|first=Tim|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19120414|title=Russell Westbrook caps historic season with 42nd triple-double|work=ESPN.com|date=April 9, 2017|access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> The Thunder finished the regular season with a 47–35 record and entered the playoffs as the sixth seed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jerran|date=May 6, 2017|title=Oklahoma City Thunder: A season of discovery|url=https://hoopshabit.com/2017/05/06/oklahoma-city-thunder-a-season-of-discovery/|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Hoops Habit}}</ref>
On April 19, in Game 2 of the Thunder's first-round playoff series against the Rockets, Westbrook had 51 points. Despite his efforts, the Thunder lost 115–111 to go down 2–0 in the series.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 19, 2017 |title=Rockets overcome Westbrook's 51, take 2–0 lead over Thunder |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400950404 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Game 4 four days later, Westbrook had 35 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists, but could not lead the Thunder to a win, as they went down 3–1 in the series with a 113–109 loss.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 23, 2017 |title=Nene's 28 lead Rockets past Thunder for 3–1 series lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400950407 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> With a loss to the Rockets in Game 5, the Thunder bowed out of the playoffs with a 4–1 series defeat. Westbrook had 47 points in Game 5.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Rockets advance with 105–99 win over Thunder |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400950409 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
On June 26, 2017, Westbrook was named the recipient of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/westbrook-nba-mvp-170626|title=Russell Westbrook Wins 2016–17 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award|work=NBA.com|date=June 26, 2017|access-date=June 27, 2017}}</ref> He was the first winner from a team with fewer than 50 wins since Moses Malone in 1982.<ref name=stein_04282021>{{cite news|first=Marc|last=Stein|title=Russell Westbrook Makes Triple-Doubles Look Easy. They're Not.|date=April 28, 2021|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/28/sports/basketball/russell-westbrook-triple-double.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/28/sports/basketball/russell-westbrook-triple-double.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-access=limited|access-date=April 29, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
====Second triple-double season and playoff disappointment (2017–18)==== On September 29, 2017, Westbrook signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder. The deal started with the 2018–19 season and delivered Westbrook the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history at the time—six seasons and $233 million through 2022–23. The contract included a player option for the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 29, 2017 |title=Thunder Signs Russell Westbrook to a Multi-Year Contract Extension |url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/westbrook-extension-170929 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=September 29, 2017 |others=Contributed by Bobby Marks and Royce Young |title=Russell Westbrook signs 5-year, $205M extension with Thunder |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20862559 |access-date=March 29, 2020 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> Continuing on from his historic 2016–17 season, Westbrook had a triple-double in the Thunder's season opener against the New York Knicks on October 19. Playing alongside new All-Star teammates Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Westbrook had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists in a 105–84 win.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 19, 2017 |title=Thunder top Knicks 105–84 in OKC debuts for George, Anthony |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974441 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> After starting the season with an 8–12 record, the Thunder improved to 20–15 with a 124–107 win over the Toronto Raptors on December 27. Westbrook had 30 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds against the Raptors as the Thunder won their sixth straight game.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 27, 2017 |title=George, Westbrook lead Thunder past Raptors 124–107 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975258 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
On March 13, 2018, Westbrook recorded 32 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds in a 119–107 win over the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to record 100 triple-doubles, joining Oscar Robertson (181 triple-doubles), Magic Johnson (138) and Jason Kidd (107).<ref>{{cite web |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Westbrook's 100th triple-double, Thunder beats Hawks 119–107 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975753 |access-date=March 13, 2018 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On April 9, Westbrook recorded his 25th triple-double of the season with 23 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in a 115–93 win over the Miami Heat, helping the Thunder clinch a playoff spot.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2018 |title=Thunder clinch: Oklahoma City runs past Miami 115–93 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975952 |access-date=April 9, 2018 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Westbrook finished the season as the league leader in assists per game, averaging 10.3 per game, and he was named to the All-NBA Second Team.<ref>{{cite news|first=Berry|last=Tramel|title=Why Russell Westbrook didn't make first-team all-NBA|date=May 25, 2018|newspaper=The Oklahoman|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5595924/westbrook-has-made-triple-doubles-passe|access-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> In Game 5 of the Thunder's first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Westbrook scored 33 of his 45 points in the second half as Oklahoma City rallied from 25 points down to fight off elimination and beat the Jazz 107–99. He also had 15 rebounds and seven assists.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 25, 2018 |title=Westbrook scores 45; Thunder beat Jazz to avoid elimination |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029451 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Game 6, Westbrook scored 46 points in a 96–91 loss, as the Thunder bowed out of the playoffs with a 4–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Mitchell scores 38, Jazz beat Thunder 96–91 to win series |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029452 |access-date=April 27, 2018 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
====Third triple-double season and final season in Oklahoma City (2018–19)==== Westbrook missed the preseason and the first two regular season games of the 2018–2019 season after undergoing a procedure in September 2018 to deal with inflammation in his right knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070214|title=Curry, Durant lead Warriors past Thunder in festive opener|work=ESPN.com|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref name=thunder-kings>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070719|title=Kings top Thunder 131–120, ruin Westbrook's season debut|work=ESPN.com|date=October 21, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018}}</ref> In his season debut for the Thunder on October 21, Westbrook had 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes in a 131–120 loss to the Sacramento Kings.<ref name="thunder-kings"/> On November 19, he returned to the line-up after missing five games with a left ankle sprain and had 29 points and 13 assists in a 117–113 loss to the Kings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070928|title=Buddy Hield helps Kings turn back Russell Westbrook, Thunder|work=ESPN.com|date=November 19, 2018|access-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> On January 10, 2019, he recorded a career-high 24 assists<ref>{{cite web|author=OKC Thunder|url=https://x.com/okcthunder/status/1083594982299176960|title=Here's one of Russell Westbrook's 24...|work=Twitter|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> to go with 24 points and 13 rebounds in a 154–147 double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071295|title=Aldridge scores 56, Spurs outlast Thunder 154–147 in 2OT|work=ESPN.com|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>
On January 31, Westbrook received his eighth career All-Star selection by being named a Western Conference reserve.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Sekou|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2019/01/31/big-names-highlight-nba-all-star-reserves|title=Davis, Westbrook, Griffin highlight reserves for All-Star Game|work=NBA.com|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> On February 11, Westbrook broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive triple-doubles after tallying 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in a 120–111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Royce|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25976766/russell-westbrook-makes-history-10th-consecutive-triple-double|title=Russell Westbrook makes history with 10th consecutive triple-double|website=ESPN.com|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 12, 2019}}</ref> On February 14, he recorded 44 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in a 131–122 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. In addition to increasing his triple-double streak, Westbrook surpassed Gary Payton (18,207 points) as the career scoring leader in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071539|title=Pelicans lose Davis, beat Thunder 131–122|work=ESPN.com|date=February 14, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2019}}</ref> His streak of 11 consecutive games with a triple-double ended in the first game after the All-Star break, as he recorded 43 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in a 148–147 double-overtime win over the Utah Jazz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071554|title=George hits winner, scores 45 as Thunder beat Jazz in 2OT|work=ESPN.com|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=February 23, 2019}}</ref>
On March 17, Westbrook was suspended for one game without pay for receiving his 16th technical foul of the season.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 17, 2019 |title=Thunder's Russell Westbrook suspened [sic] |url=https://pr.nba.com/oklahoma-citys-russell-westbrook-suspened/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> On April 2, Westbrook had 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists in a 119–103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071834|title=Lakers vs. Thunder – Box Score – April 2, 2019 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> He became the second player in NBA history to record 20 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a single game, after Wilt Chamberlain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2019/4/2/18293152/lakers-vs-thunder-final-score-recap-russell-westbrook-20-triple-double-historic-wilt-chamberlain|title=Historic night from Russell Westbrook helps Thunder roll past Lakers, win season series|last=Rivas|first=Christian|date=April 2, 2019|website=Silver Screen and Roll|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-russell-westbrook-notches-1st-20-20-20-game-since-wilt-chamberlain/|title=BREAKING: Russell Westbrook Does Something Wilt Chamberlain Only Did Once In 1968|last=Mathur|first=Ashish|date=April 3, 2019|website=ClutchPoints|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref> Westbrook led the league in assists per game for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web | last=Taylor | first=Cody | title=Westbrook: First player to lead NBA in points, assists multiple times | website=OKC Thunder Wire |publisher=USA Today| date=April 13, 2019 | url=https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2019/04/13/okc-thunder-russell-westbrook-nba-history-points-assists-leader-multiple-times/77373099007/ | access-date=May 3, 2026}}</ref> The Thunder went on to lose in five games to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 23, 2019 |title=Lillard hits 50, ousts OKC with 37-footer at buzzer |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401126848 |access-date=April 24, 2019 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |quote=Russell Westbrook had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists for his 10th career playoff triple-double and his second of the series.}}</ref> It was the third straight season in which the team was eliminated in the first round.<ref name=deb_08102021/>
===Houston Rockets (2019–2020)=== [[File:James Harden with Russell Westbrook.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Westbrook reunited with former Thunder teammate James Harden in Houston.]] On July 16, 2019, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets for All-Star Chris Paul, two protected first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps. The move reunited Westbrook with former Thunder teammate James Harden; the two players both expressed mutual interest and enthusiasm in playing together at this stage in their careers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wojnarowski |first1=Adrian |author-link1=Adrian Wojnarowski |last2=Young |first2=Royce |name-list-style=and |date=July 12, 2019 |others=Contributed by Ramona Shelburne |title=Sources: OKC trades Russ to Rockets for Paul |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27171170 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Harden spent his first three seasons in the league (2009–2012) on the Thunder with Westbrook. They had played together in the 2012 NBA Finals.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 2019 |title=Report: Russell Westbrook traded to Rockets for Chris Paul |url=https://www.nba.com/news/report-russell-westbrook-traded-chris-paul-rockets-thunder |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=NBA.com}}</ref>
Westbrook made his Rockets debut in a 117–111 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 24, 2019, leading the team with 24 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes of play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=401160657|title=Bucks vs. Rockets – Game Summary – October 24, 2019 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref> In Westbrook's second game as a Rocket on October 26, 2019, he became second all time in career triple-doubles, passing Magic Johnson with a 28-point, 13-assist and 10-rebound performance in a 126–123 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacMahon |first=Tim |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Russell Westbrook passes Magic Johnson for 2nd on all-time triple-doubles list |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27937042 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
On January 9, 2020, Westbrook made his return to Oklahoma City for the first time as a visitor, scoring 34 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and passing for 5 assists on 14-of-26 shooting from the field in a 113–92 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=401161208|title=Rockets vs. Thunder – Game Summary – January 9, 2020 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|date=January 9, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> With his triple-double against Oklahoma City on January 20, he joined LeBron James as the only two players to have logged triple-doubles against all 30 NBA teams.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Brian|date=May 8, 2021|url=https://www.nba.com/news/mr-triple-double-is-about-to-get-some-company|title=Russell Westbrook ties Oscar Robertson's triple-double mark|website=NBA.com|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
The suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season began in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In July, Westbrook tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nair |first=Rohith |date=July 13, 2020 |editor-last=Radnedge |editor-first=Christian |title=Rockets guard Westbrook tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Orlando trip |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-basketball-nba-idUSL3N2EK3CT |access-date=April 10, 2022 |publisher=Reuters.com}}</ref> He recovered and rejoined the team later that month in Orlando, Florida, for the league's restart.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacMahon |first=Tim |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Russell Westbrook clears protocol, set to practice with Rockets |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/29516212 |access-date=July 24, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the third game following his return, Westbrook strained his right quad and missed four of the five remaining regular season games. In the playoffs, he missed the first four games of the opening series against Oklahoma City. He helped Houston advance to the semifinals, where they were eliminated 4–1 by the Lakers. In his eight playoff games, Westbrook averaged 17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, the lowest averages of his postseason career.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=DuBose|date=September 16, 2020|url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/13/russell-westbrook-frustrated-by-ill-timed-health-woes-late-in-season/|title=Russell Westbrook frustrated by ill-timed health woes late in season|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>
===Washington Wizards (2020–2021)=== ====Fourth triple-double season and career triple-doubles record (2020–21)==== On December 2, 2020, amidst rumors that he and Harden were unhappy and wanted out from the Rockets,<ref>{{cite news|first=Kristie|last=Rieken|title=Wizards trade John Wall to Rockets for Russell Westbrook in swap of star point guards|date=December 3, 2020|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-wizards-rockets-wall-westbrook-trade-20201203-4727bvbt3bdejk2wll35juyvby-story.html|access-date=December 3, 2020}}</ref> Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a 2023 lottery-protected first-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosen |first=Zach |date=December 2, 2020 |title=Wizards acquire Russell Westbrook |url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-acquire-russell-westbrook |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=December 2, 2020 |title=Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards agree to Russell Westbrook–John Wall trade |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30439266 |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
Westbrook was not selected to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, missing the event for the first time since 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chase|last=Hughes|title=Westbrook left off All-Star roster|date=February 23, 2021|website=NBCSports.com|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/russell-westbrook-left-2021-nba-all-star-roster|access-date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> On March 29, 2021, he recorded 35 points, 14 rebounds and a then-season-high 21 assists in a 132–124 win over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first player since Magic Johnson in 1988 to post a 30–10–20 triple-double.<ref name=ap_03292021>{{cite news|date=March 29, 2021|title=Westbrook records 16th triple-double, Wizards beat Pacers|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/03/29/westbrook-records-16th-triple-double-wizards-beat-pacers/115653048/|access-date=April 10, 2021|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> His 16th triple-double in just his 38th game with Washington broke Darrell Walker's franchise record for career triple-doubles, which had stood for 30 years.<ref name=ap_03292021/><ref name=aldridge_05092021>{{cite news|first=David|last=Aldridge|title=Russell Westbrook joins the Big O's elite company: Magic Johnson, others explain to us why 'very few can do it'|date=May 9, 2021|work=The Athletic|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2556108/2021/05/09/russell-westbrook-joins-the-big-os-elite-company-first-of-all-very-few-can-do-it/|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>
On May 4, Westbrook recorded 14 points, a career-high 21 rebounds and a then-season-high 24 assists in a 154–141 win over the Pacers.<ref name="Gartland">{{cite news|last=Gartland|first=Dan|title=Russell Westbrook Clinches Fourth Season-Long Triple Double Average|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2021/05/04/wizards-russell-westbrook-triple-double-average|website=SI.com|date=May 4, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref> On May 10, he posted 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists in a 125–124 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, recording his 182nd career triple-double and surpassing Oscar Robertson for the most triple-doubles in NBA history.<ref name=wallace_05102021>{{cite news|first=Ava|last=Wallace|title=Russell Westbrook sets triple-double record, but Wizards fall at Atlanta|date=May 10, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/10/russell-westbrook-nba-record-triple-doubles/|access-date=May 10, 2021}}</ref>
Westbrook finished the regular season averaging 22.2 points, a career-high 11.5 rebounds and a league-leading, career-high 11.7 assists per game, earning his third NBA assist title and averaging a triple-double for the fourth time in five seasons.<ref>{{cite news|last=Todd|first=Bijan|date=May 16, 2021|title=Russell Westbrook Caps Off Regular Season With NBA Assist Title|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/russell-westbrook-caps-off-regular-season-with-nba-assist-title/2673816/|access-date=May 18, 2021|publisher=NBC4 Washington}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook 2020–21 Game Log|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01/gamelog/2021/|access-date=May 18, 2021|publisher=Basketball-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="Gartland"/> Alongside Westbrook, backcourt teammate Bradley Beal averaged a career-high 31.3 points per game, finishing second in the scoring race to Stephen Curry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NBA Stat Leaders 2020-21|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/_/season/2021/seasontype/2|access-date=2025-01-25|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
After losing to the Boston Celtics in the play-in tournament for the Eastern Conference's seventh seed, Westbrook and Beal led the Wizards to a 142–115 victory over the Pacers to secure the conference's eighth seed and Washington's first playoff appearance since 2018.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Wizards Blow Past Pacers for East's No. 8 Seed|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/21/wizards-beat-pacers-play-in-tournament-8-seed|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> The Wizards were eliminated by the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in five games during the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=Ava|date=June 2, 2021|title=Sixers, without Joel Embiid, have plenty in reserve to eliminate Wizards in Game 5|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/06/02/wizards-76ers-game-5-joel-embiid-injury/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 8, 2022}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2023)=== ====Down season (2021–22)==== thumb|left|Westbrook takes a shot in 2022.|150px On August 6, 2021, Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wong |first=S. |date=August 6, 2021 |title=Lakers Acquire Russell Westbrook |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lakers-acquire-russell-westbrook-2021 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Crane|first=Andrew|date=September 20, 2021|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/nba-2021-lebron-james-carmelo-anthony-los-angeles-lakers-free-agency-news/news-story/3f17912aeed9e458ea8a48939fea036d|title='I need you': The call that proves who's really running the Lakers|website=Fox Sports|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> This was the third time Westbrook was traded, and the Lakers became his fourth team in three years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/30/westbrook-traded-to-lakers-in-blockbuster-deal-.html|title='I need you': The call that proves who's really running the Lakers|publisher=CNBC|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name=deb_08102021/> On October 19, Westbrook made his Lakers debut, putting up eight points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field, five rebounds and three assists in a 121���114 loss to the Golden State Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-twitter-explodes-after-russell-westbrook-debut/|title=Twitter explodes after Russell Westbrook's forgettable Lakers debut|last=Mariano|first=Paolo|website=ClutchPoints|date=October 19, 2021|access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref>
As his first season with the Lakers progressed, Westbrook received criticism for his perceived poor quality of play.<ref>{{cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |author-link=Brian Windhorst |date=April 1, 2022 |title=LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers' tumultuous season, in their own words |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33641478 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Beacham|first=Greg|date=April 11, 2022|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/nba-lakers-fire-vogel-1.6416020|title=Lakers fire title-winning head coach Frank Vogel after 3 seasons|publisher=CBC|access-date=April 14, 2022|quote=... while Westbrook struggled mightily to fit into the Lakers' team concept during one of the worst seasons of his professional career. After so much preseason ballyhoo around the teaming of James, Davis and Westbrook, the trio managed to play in only 21 games together — and went 11–10.}}</ref> Westbrook was criticized following a 4-for-20 shooting performance in a 122–115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day.<ref>{{cite web|last=Naccion|first=Chico|url=https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2261151|title=Westbrook dismisses criticisms of his play this season: 'I've been fine'|website=The Score|date=December 28, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> The Lakers had a 21–20 record at the halfway point of the regular season, and Westbrook was often a recipient of the blame for the team's struggles relative to its 2020 championship season. Westbrook shot 30 percent from the three-point line and turned the ball over 4.6 times per game through early January, and he received criticism for a particular game against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he turned the ball over nine times. Westbrook later responded to critics, saying that they were only looking at the stat sheet and not his overall play on the court.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garcia |first=Bob IV |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Russell Westbrook Is Working to Silence the Many Critics The Only Way He Knows How |url=https://www.sportscasting.com/russell-westbrook-working-silence-many-critics-only-way-he-knows/ |access-date=April 10, 2022 |website=Sportscasting}}</ref>
On January 4, 2022, in a 122–114 win over the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook had his first game without turnovers since March 14, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Quinn|first=Sam|date=January 5, 2022|title=Lakers' Russell Westbrook has first game without a turnover since 2016 in win over Kings|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-russell-westbrook-has-first-game-without-a-turnover-since-2016-in-win-over-kings/|access-date=January 11, 2022|website=CBS Sports}}</ref> On January 19, he was benched by Lakers head coach Frank Vogel in the final four minutes of a home loss against the Indiana Pacers.<ref>{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Windhorst|title=LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers' tumultuous season, in their own words|date=April 12, 2022|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33641478|access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref><ref name="woike_04082022">{{cite news |last1=Woike |first1=Dan |last2=Turner |first2=Broderick |name-list-style=and |date=April 8, 2022 |title=The Big Fail: Inside the Lakers' most disappointing season in franchise history |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-04-08/inside-la-lakers-disappointing-season-lebron-james-anthony-davis |access-date=April 26, 2022 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated, 121–110, by the Phoenix Suns. This defeat eliminated the team from obtaining a playoff berth. The 2021–22 season was the third season in Westbrook's career (and the first since 2015) in which he missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Coleman|first=Madeline|date=April 6, 2022|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/04/06/lakers-eliminated-from-playoff-contention-suns-loss|title=Lakers Eliminated From Playoff Contention With Loss to Suns|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=April 7, 2022}}</ref> Vogel was fired after the season. Following Vogel's firing, Westbrook said, "I'm not sure what his issue was with me."<ref name="athletic_04122022">{{cite news |last=Buha |first=Jovan |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Russell Westbrook: 'I was never given a fair chance' in first season with Lakers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3500648/2022/04/11/russell-westbrook-i-was-never-given-a-fair-chance-in-first-season-with-lakers/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Lakers' Russell Westbrook opens up on disconnect with Frank Vogel, disappointing season |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33721269 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> The coach had kept him in the starting lineup all season despite pressure to bring him off the bench.<ref name=woike_04082022/><ref name=athletic_04122022/> Westbrook attended new head coach Darvin Ham's introductory press conference, where the coach said "Russell Westbrook is one of the best players our league has ever seen, and there's still a ton left in the tank." He said a common theme of their meetings was "sacrifice".<ref>{{cite news|first=Dave|last=McMenamin|title=Darvin Ham introduced as Los Angeles Lakers coach on 'an incredibly bright and promising day' for proud franchise|date=June 7, 2022|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34048560|access-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref> Westbrook opted in to the final year of his contract for 2022–23, valued at $47 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woike |first1=Dan |last2=Turner |first2=Broderick |name-list-style=and |date=July 15, 2022 |title=Lakers' Russell Westbrook splits with longtime agent over 'irreconcilable differences' |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-07-15/lakers-russell-westbrook-splits-longtime-agent-has-not-requested-trade |access-date=July 22, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
====Sixth man role (2022–23)==== After severing ties with agent Thad Foucher of Wasserman in July 2022, Westbrook signed Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports as his agent on August 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook says he's signed with new agent |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34330004 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> During the off-season, the Lakers acquired point guards Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schröder.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kurt|last=Helin|title=Beverley. Now Schroder. Could the Lakers bring Russell Westbrook off the bench?|date=September 16, 2022|work=Pro Basketball Talk|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/16/beverley-now-schroder-could-the-lakers-bring-russell-westbrook-off-the-bench/|access-date=September 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Kyle|last=Goon|title=Dennis Schröder agrees to rejoin Lakers on 1-year deal|date=September 16, 2022|work=Orange County Register|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2022/09/16/dennis-schroder-agrees-to-rejoin-lakers-on-1-year-deal/|access-date=September 22, 2022}}</ref> On October 28, Westbrook came off the bench for the first time since his rookie season and chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds in a 111–102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gobert, Wolves extend Lakers' winless start with 111–102 win |url=https://africa.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468231 |date=October 28, 2022|access-date=October 29, 2022|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On November 2, 2022, CBS Sports reported that Westbrook had described his new role coming off the bench as "'beneficial for everybody'".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Sam |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Lakers' Russell Westbrook addresses new bench role: 'It's beneficial for everybody' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-russell-westbrook-addresses-new-bench-role-its-beneficial-for-everybody/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> On November 12, the Lakers' record was 2–10 and they stood in last place in the Western Conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Sam |date=April 8, 2023 |title=Lakers become first team in nearly two decades to start 2–10 and finish with a winning record |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-become-first-team-in-nearly-two-decades-to-start-2-10-and-finish-with-a-winning-record/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> Claire de Lune of ''The Guardian'' provided the following November 16 analysis of Westbrook's fit with the Lakers: <blockquote>Like many relationships, the Lakers and Westbrook felt doomed from the start. Sure, when Westbrook arrived in Los Angeles, which happens to be his home town, for training camp in September of last year, the veteran point guard was coming off of an impressive season with the Washington Wizards. But the fit issues with the existing roster, especially James and Davis, were already glaring. Westbrook has never been known for his shooting accuracy, and is notorious for playing best in situations where he can be the ball-dominant scorer and orchestrator of the offense. He’s also never been outstanding defensively. After 20 seasons of watching James in the NBA, one formula has remained battle-tested and proven: surround him with shooters to space the floor, a few enthusiastic and hard-nosed defenders, and he will handle the rest. As talented as the one-time NBA MVP Westbrook may be, he is, realistically, none of the above. It was a recipe for disaster, and a disaster it’s been.<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Lune |first=Claire |date=November 16, 2022 |title=No relationship is worth misery. Russell Westbrook and the Lakers is no different |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/16/russell-westbrook-la-lakers-problems-relationships |access-date=September 24, 2024 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref></blockquote>
On December 9, Westbrook recorded his first career triple-double off the bench with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a 133–122 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=76ers recover in OT after blown lead to beat Lakers 133–122|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468537 |date=December 9, 2022|access-date=December 10, 2022|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
On January 15, 2023, Westbrook put up 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists off the bench in a 113–112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was his fourth career triple-double off the bench, which set a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-russell-westbrook-cements-status-as-triple-double-king-with-latest-feat|title=Lakers star Russell Westbrook cements status as Triple-Double king with latest feat|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=January 15, 2023|access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref> On January 20, Westbrook had 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, as the Lakers rallied a 122–121 win to snap the Memphis Grizzlies' winning streak at 11 games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lakers rally to snap Grizzlies' winning streak at 11 games|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468845 |website=ESPN |access-date=January 21, 2023 |date=January 20, 2023}}</ref> On January 30, Westbrook made his 8,967th career assist in a 121–104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buha |first1=Jovan |last2=the |first2=Athletic staff |author-link2=The Athletic |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Russell Westbrook becomes 10th all-time assists leader |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4140778/2023/01/30/lakers-russell-westbrook-all-time-assists/ |access-date=January 31, 2023 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> surpassing Gary Payton for tenth place in the all-time career assists list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-russell-westbrook-surpasses-gary-payton-in-nba-history-with-wild-feat|title=Russell Westbrook surpasses Gary Payton in NBA history with wild feat|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=January 30, 2023|access-date=January 30, 2023}}</ref>
On February 9, 2023, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-timberwolves-jazz-russell-westbrook-trade|title=Lakers trading Russell Westbrook to Jazz in 3-team, 8-player deal|work=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2023}}</ref> At the time of the trade, he was averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds with the Lakers on 41.7% shooting in a career-low 28.7 minutes per game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Holmes |first=Baxter |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Westbrook 'ready for the challenge' of Clippers' stretch run |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35715215 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |work=ESPN}}</ref>
Following the trade, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports opined that Westbrook's level of success coming off the bench for the Lakers was "a matter of debate": <blockquote>Westbrook quickly became the betting favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year, but the Lakers still never reached .500 with him on the team this season. Lineups with him and without him performed similarly, his tendency towards turnovers and poor shot-selection persisted and he was still often benched late in games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Quinn |first=Sam |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Russell Westbrook still wants to win Sixth Man of the Year despite becoming a Clippers starter, per report |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-still-wants-to-win-sixth-man-of-the-year-despite-becoming-a-clippers-starter-per-report |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=cbssports.com}}</ref></blockquote>
===Los Angeles Clippers (2023–2024)=== On February 20, Westbrook and the Utah Jazz reached a contract buyout agreement;<ref>{{cite web|first=Jeremy|last=Rincon|title=Utah Jazz Waive Russell Westbrook|url=https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-waive-russell-westbrook|website=NBA.com|date=February 20, 2023|access-date=February 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Reynolds|title=Russell Westbrook reportedly plans to sign with Clippers after buyout|url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/02/20/russell-westbrook-is-reportedly/|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=February 20, 2023|access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> he did not play in any games for the team.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lachard|last=Binkley|title=Russell Westbrook went from 'washed' to possibly saving the Clippers season|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2023/3/30/23663154/russell-westbrook-clippers-stats-video-washed-playoffs|website=SBNation.com|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=March 30, 2023}}</ref>
On February 22, 2023, Westbrook signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, reuniting with his former Thunder teammate Paul George.<ref>{{cite web|title=LA Clippers Sign Nine-Time All-Star Russell Westbrook|url=https://www.nba.com/clippers/news/la-clippers-sign-nine-time-all-star-russell-westbrook|website=NBA.com|date=February 22, 2023|access-date=February 23, 2023}}</ref> Westbrook became a starter with the Clippers.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|first=Tyler|last=Conway|title=Ty Lue: 'I Love' Russell Westbrook; He 'Saved' Clippers After Kawhi, George Injuries|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10084144-ty-lue-i-love-russell-westbrook-he-saved-clippers-after-kawhi-george-injuries|website=BleacherReport.com}}</ref> On February 24, Westbrook made his Clippers debut, putting up 17 points and 14 assists in a 176–175 double overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, the second-highest-scoring game in NBA history. <ref>{{cite web|title=Kings outlast Clippers 176–175 in double overtime|url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469057|website=ESPN.com|date=February 24, 2023|access-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jesse|last=Cinquini|title='I don't give a f**k': De'Aaron Fox sounds off on Russell Westbrook question with NSFW message|url=https://clutchpoints.com/kings-news-i-dont-give-a-fk-deaaron-fox-sounds-off-on-russell-westbrook-question-with-nsfw-message|website=ClutchPoints.com|date=February 25, 2023|access-date=February 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Owen|last=Crisafulli|title=Russell Westbrook puts his name in Clippers record books after debut|url=https://clutchpoints.com/clippers-news-russell-westbrook-puts-name-la-record-books-debut|website=ClutchPoints.com|date=February 25, 2023|access-date=February 25, 2023}}</ref> According to ''Bleacher Report'', Westbrook "looked rejuvenated" after joining the Clippers.<ref name="auto"/>
On March 5, Westbrook won his first game as a member of the Clippers with a 135–129 come-from-behind victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.<ref>{{cite web |last=Greif |first=Andrew |date=March 6, 2023 |title=Losing streak over: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard power confounding Clippers to comeback |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2023-03-05/clippers-paul-george-kawhi-leonard-grizzlies-recap |access-date=March 6, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> On March 11, Westbrook made his 9,062nd career assist in a 106–95 win over the New York Knicks,<ref>{{cite web|first=Angelo|last=Guinhawa|title=Clippers star Russell Westbrook's insane assist climb will make Isiah Thomas proud|url=https://clutchpoints.com/clippers-news-russell-westbrooks-insane-assist-climb-will-make-isiah-thomas-proud|website=ClutchPoints.com|date=March 11, 2023|access-date=March 11, 2023}}</ref> surpassing Isiah Thomas for ninth place in the all-time career assists list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook passes Isiah Thomas for 9th in career assists|url=https://www.nba.com/news/russell-westbrook-passes-isiah-thomas-for-9th-in-career-assists|website=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2023|access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> During the regular season, Westbrook averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field for the Clippers. In July 2023, Coach Tyronn Lue praised Westbrook's effort and toughness, saying that Westbrook had "saved" the Clippers during the final 20 games of the regular season following injuries to Paul George and others.<ref name="auto"/>
The Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. On April 22, in Game 4 of the Clippers–Suns series, Westbrook scored 37 points in a 112–100 loss.<ref>{{cite web|title=Durant scores 31, Suns beat Clippers 112–100 for 3–1 lead|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541186|website=ESPN.com|date=April 22, 2023|access-date=April 23, 2023}}</ref> Despite Westbrook averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in the playoffs, the Clippers were eliminated by the Suns in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Booker scores 47, leads Suns past Clippers to win series|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541237|website=ESPN.com|date=April 25, 2023|access-date=April 26, 2023}}</ref>
On July 6, 2023, the Clippers re-signed Westbrook<ref>{{cite web|title=LA Clippers Re-sign Nine-Time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook|url=https://www.nba.com/clippers/news/la-clippers-re-sign-nine-time-nba-all-star-russell-westbrook|website=NBA.com|date=July 7, 2023|access-date=July 7, 2023}}</ref> to a two-year, $7.8 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=July 1, 2023 |title=Clippers, Russell Westbrook agree on 2-year, $7.8 million deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37946453 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> After the Clippers' blockbuster trade for James Harden, Westbrook requested to come off the bench,<ref name=":10">{{cite web|first=Jack|last=Maloney|title=Clippers' Russell Westbrook reportedly asks to come off bench, here's why the move could help end L.A.'s slide|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/clippers-russell-westbrook-reportedly-asks-to-come-off-bench-heres-why-the-move-could-help-end-l-a-s-slide/|website=CBSSports.com|date=November 17, 2023|access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref> mainly to save a six-game losing streak the Clippers were experiencing at the time.<ref name=":11">{{cite web|first=Melissa|last=Rohlin|title=Russell Westbrook volunteering to come off bench was Clippers' only good option|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/russell-westbrook-volunteering-to-come-off-bench-was-clippers-only-good-option|website=FOXSports.com|date=November 17, 2023|access-date=November 17, 2023}}</ref> On January 1, 2024, Westbrook passed Patrick Ewing for 25th place on the league's all-time scoring list.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jack|last=Maloney|title=Russell Westbrook moves into top 25 on NBA scoring list, joins LeBron James, Oscar Robertson in exclusive club|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-moves-into-top-25-on-nba-scoring-list-joins-lebron-james-oscar-robertson-in-exclusive-club/|website=CBSSports.com|date=January 1, 2024|access-date=January 1, 2024}}</ref> On February 2, Westbrook scored 23 points and delivered nine assists to become the 25th player in NBA history with 25,000 career points in a 136–125 win over the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-03 |title=Westbrook 25th player to reach 25K career points |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=39448338&_slug_=clippers-russell-westbrook-reaches-25k-career-points |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He and James Harden became the third pair of 25,000-point scorers to play together in NBA history. They joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony for the 2021–22 Lakers and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce for the 2013–14 Nets.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Clippers' Russell Westbrook reaches 25,000 career points |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/39448338 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On April 9, Westbrook recorded his first triple-double as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a 105–92 win over the Phoenix Suns.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Esnaashari |first=Farbod |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History vs. Phoenix Suns |url=https://www.si.com/nba/clippers/russell-westbrook-nba-history-clippers-suns |access-date=April 10, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>
On April 26, 2024, Westbrook was ejected after being assessed with two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington in Game Three of the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks a 101–90 loss.<ref>{{cite web|first=Colin|last=Ward-Henninger|title=Russell Westbrook, PJ Washington ejected from Game 3 after hard foul on Luka Doncic|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavericks-clippers-russell-westbrook-pj-washington-ejected-from-game-3-after-hard-foul-on-luka-doncic/|website=CBSSports.com|date=April 26, 2024|access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>
On July 18, 2024, Westbrook, alongside the draft rights to Balša Koprivica, a second-round pick swap and cash considerations, was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gabby|last=Hundman|title=Utah Jazz Complete Trade with LA Clippers|url=https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-complete-trade-with-la-clippers|website=NBA.com|date=July 18, 2024|access-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref> He was then waived on July 20.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jeremy|last=Rincon|title=Utah Jazz Waive Russell Westbrook|url=https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-waive-russell-westbrook-2|website=NBA.com|date=July 20, 2024|access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref>
===Denver Nuggets (2024–2025)=== On July 26, 2024, Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets.<ref>{{cite web|title=DENVER NUGGETS SIGN RUSSELL WESTBROOK|url=https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/denver-nuggets-sign-russell-westbrook|website=NBA.com|date=July 26, 2024|access-date=July 26, 2024}}</ref>
On November 6, 2024, Westbrook scored 29 points, along with six rebounds and six assists on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from three in a 124–122 win over his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Helin |first1=Kurt |title=Jokic's triple-double, 29 from Westbrook, Watson's game-saving block help Nuggets hand Thunder first loss |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/jokics-triple-double-29-from-westbrook-watsons-game-saving-block-help-nuggets-hand-thunder-first-loss |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=NBC Sports |date=November 7, 2024 }}</ref> On November 19, Westbrook put up his 200th career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 122–110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve 200 career triple-doubles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nuggets-news-russell-westbrook-makes-nba-triple-double-history-vs-grizzlies|title=Nuggets' Russell Westbrook makes NBA triple-double history vs. Grizzlies|website=ClutchPoints|last=Pagaduan|first=Jedd|date=November 19, 2024|access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref> On December 30, Westbrook put up a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 132–121 win over the Utah Jazz. He posted the triple-double without a missed field goal or a turnover. Westbrook became just the third player in NBA history to record a triple double with no missed shots and no turnovers, the third to achieve that feat, joining Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nuggets-news-russell-westbrook-nikola-jokic-domantas-sabonis-perfect-triple-double|title=Russell Westbrook joins Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis with 'perfect' triple-double|website=ClutchPoints|last=Finnegan|first=Troy|date=December 31, 2024|access-date=January 1, 2025}}</ref>
On January 10, 2025, Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 124–105 win over the Brooklyn Nets. His teammate Jokić also put up a triple-double with 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, lbecoming the first pair of teammates in NBA history to each record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2025 |title=Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook have triple-doubles in same game again |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43366190/nuggets-nikola-jokic-russell-westbrook-triple-doubles-same-game |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On March 15, Westbrook logged 22 points and 11 assists in a 126–123 loss against the Washington Wizards, surpassing 26,000 career points and becoming the 21st player to reach the milestone and the second point guard after Oscar Robertson.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2025 |title=Poole's 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left gives Wizards a 126-123 win over the Nuggets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401705541 |access-date=March 16, 2025 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On March 28, in a 129–93 win over the Utah Jazz, Westbrook passed Oscar Robertson for No. 8 all-time in assists and Kobe Bryant for No. 16 all-time in steals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook passes Oscar Robertson for No. 8 all time in career assists|url=https://www.nba.com/news/westbrook-climbs-to-no-8-in-career-assists|website=NBA.com|date=March 29, 2025|access-date=March 29, 2025}}</ref>
During an April 1 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Westbrook intercepted a pass, then missed a layup with 17.7 seconds left in the second overtime, with the Nuggets up by one point with the shot clock turned off.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-02 |title=Timberwolves beat Nuggets in double OT despite Nikola Jokic's 61-point triple-double |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/04/02/nikola-jokic-61-points-nuggets-timberwolves/82770634007/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> He then fouled Timberwolves player Nickeil Alexander-Walker with a tenth of a second left as Alexander-Walker attempted a three-point shot in the corner, allowing Alexander-Walker to make two free throws, resulting in a 140–139 Minnesota victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Botkin |first=Brad |date=2025-04-02 |title=Russell Westbrook spoils Nikola Jokic's 61-point masterpiece with two late-game gaffes |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-spoils-nikolas-jokics-61-point-masterpiece-with-two-late-game-gaffes/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}</ref>
On May 27, 2025, Westbrook underwent surgery on his right hand to repair multiple ligament tears.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2025 |title=Nuggets' Russell Westbrook undergoes surgery on right hand |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nuggets-russell-westbrook-surgery-right-hand |access-date=July 20, 2025 |website=NBA.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On June 13, Westbrook declined his $3.4 million player option, thus becoming a free agent.
===Sacramento Kings (2025–present)=== On October 16, 2025, Westbrook signed a one-year, minimum salary contract with the Sacramento Kings. He chose to wear number 18 in order to represent the amount of seasons he played in the NBA.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Kings Sign Russell Westbrook|date=October 16, 2025|publisher=Sacramento Kings|url=https://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-sign-russell-westbrook|access-date=October 16, 2025}}</ref> On November 5, Westbrook had his 204th career triple‑double and his first as a King, posting 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 121–116 victory over the Golden State Warriors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2025 |title=Westbrook's triple-double and Schroder's clutch run lift Kings over Warriors 121-116 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810036 |access-date= November 6, 2025 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He also achieved 8,734 career rebounds, surpassing Jason Kidd (8,725) for the most career rebounds by a guard in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46866968/russell-westbrook-vintage-triple-double-gives-kings-win|title=Russell Westbrook's vintage triple-double gives Kings win|website=ESPN.com|last=Slater|first=Anthony|date=November 6, 2025|access-date=November 15, 2025}}</ref> On November 14, Westbrook achieved 10,000 career assists in a 124–110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, recording a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, and joining LeBron James as the only players in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points and 10,000 career assists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-news-russell-westbrook-historic-feat-lebron-james|title=Russell Westbrook accomplishes historic feat only done by LeBron James|website=ClutchPoints|last=Yapkowitz|first=David|date=November 14, 2025|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/sacramento-kings/news/russell-westbrook-joins-lebron-james-nba-history-books/666196fdf200ddc49bf1e391|title=Russell Westbrook joins LeBron James in NBA history books|website=The Sporting News|last=Kaskey-Blomain|first=Michael|date=November 14, 2025|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2025 |title=Edwards' 30 points power Timberwolves to 3rd straight win, 124-110 over Kings in NBA Cup |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401809786 |access-date= November 14, 2025 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On December 27, Westbrook surpassed Magic Johnson and took seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assists list during a 113–107 win over the Dallas Mavericks. In the same game, he also became the 14th player in NBA history to reach 2,000 career steals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russell Westbrook makes history twice in one night, reaching assists and steals milestones |url=https://www.nba.com/news/russell-westbrook-makes-history-twice-in-one-night-reaching-assists-steals-milestones |website=NBA.com |access-date=December 27, 2025}}</ref>
On January 3, 2026, Westbrook put up 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a 129–102 loss to the Phoenix Suns, surpassing Oscar Robertson to become the point guard with the most career points scored in NBA history and moving into 15th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russell Westbrook becomes NBA’s highest-scoring point guard |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/03/russell-westbrook-career-points-nba-record-point-guard-kings-suns/88002760007/ |work=USA Today |last=Smith |first=Marcus |date=January 2, 2026}}</ref> On February 9, Westbrook scored 17 points in the Kings’ 120–94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, surpassing the 27,000-point mark for his NBA career and becoming the 14th player in league history to reach the milestone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Murphy scores 21, Fears 20 as Pelicans send the Kings to their 13th consecutive loss, 120-94 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810621 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 9, 2026}}</ref> On March 9, Westbrook recorded his 208th career triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists while committing zero turnovers to lead the Kings to a 126–110 win over the Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 8, 2026 |title=Westbrook stacks another triple-double in Kings 126-110 win over Bulls |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810785 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On March 17, Westbrook surpassed Mark Jackson and Steve Nash and took fifth place on the NBA’s all-time assists list during a game against the San Antonio Spurs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-news-russell-westbrook-adds-to-hall-of-fame-legacy-historic-feat|title=Kings’ Russell Westbrook adds to Hall-of-Fame legacy with latest historic feat|website=ClutchPoints|last=Siegel|first=Brett|date=March 17, 2026|access-date=March 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/russell-westbrook-5th-assist-list|title=Russell Westbrook climbs to No. 5 on all-time assist list|website=NBA.com|date=March 18, 2026|access-date=March 18, 2026}}</ref>
==National team career== thumb|left|Westbrook with Team USA in 2012|200x200px In 2010, Westbrook was selected to the FIBA World Championship team in Istanbul, Turkey. On a team without a single member from its 2008 Olympic gold-medal team, Westbrook was considered a star on the team.<ref name=stein_08292014>{{cite news|last=Stein |first=Marc |title=Team USA average age: 24.08 |date=August 29, 2014 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11429855 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830122330/http://espn.go.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11429855/usa-basketball-fields-youngest-team-nba-players-allowed-1992 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2010 team relied heavily on a small lineup,<ref name=stein_08232014>{{cite news|last=Stein |first=Marc |title=U.S. roster has size emphasis |date=August 23, 2014 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11397145 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829144226/http://espn.go.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11397145/team-usa-roster-inclusion-andre-drummond-mason-plumlee-gives-americans-size-options-fiba-world-cup-jerry-colangelo-says |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Westbrook finished in the top five on the team in minutes per game, and top three in points and assists per game. Team USA went 9–0 to win its first World Championship since 1994.<ref name=ap_09132010>{{cite news|title=Team USA stops Turkey, fills gold-medal void at FIBA worlds |date=September 13, 2010 |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2010-09-12-fiba-worlds-championship-usa-turkey_N.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527062846/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2010-09-12-fiba-worlds-championship-usa-turkey_N.htm |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The win automatically qualified Team USA for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and the U.S.A overtook Argentina for the No. 1 world ranking.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thamel |first=Peter |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=September 12, 2010 |title=Durant Lifts Americans Back to Top at Worlds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/sports/basketball/13fiba.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702194417/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/sports/basketball/13fiba.html?_r=0 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>
Westbrook was selected to play for the 2012 Summer Olympic team in London, where he won a second gold medal. He declined an invitation to join the 2016 Olympic team.<ref name="g691">{{cite web | last=Young | first=Royce | title=Westbrook, Harden won't play in Rio Olympics | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-06-10 | url=https://www.espn.com.au/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/16108346 | access-date=2024-09-26}}</ref> ==Player profile== thumb|right|Westbrook dribbling in 2015 Standing at {{Convert|6|ft|4|in|m}} tall and weighing {{Convert|200|lb}}, Westbrook is a point guard who is widely known for playing at a high level of intensity and for being able to keep that intensity for the majority of his playing time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Palmer |first=Chris |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587948-from-the-bottom-to-the-top-the-russell-westbrook-story |title=From the Bottom to the Top: The Russell Westbrook Story |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Westbrook will often look to push the pace of the game for transition points and attack the basket.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mason |first=Beckley |url=http://hoopspeak.com/2011/11/russell-westbrook-next-step-tony-parker/ |title=Russell Westbrook's next step: the Tony Parker cut « |publisher=Hoopspeak.com |date=November 30, 2011 |access-date=April 19, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201145505/http://hoopspeak.com/2011/11/russell-westbrook-next-step-tony-parker/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Though attacking the rim is Westbrook's forte, he will frequently pull up for medium-range jump shots.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tucker |first=Josh |url=http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2012/1/11/2699440/russell-westbrook-transition-jump-shots-key-to-scoring-success |title=Russell Westbrook: Transition Jump Shots Key to Scoring Success |work=Welcome to Loud City |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Prada |first=Mike |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/4/6/2930095/russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder |title=Fun With Synergy: Russell Westbrook, Pull-Up Jumpers And Kevin Durant's Shot Distribution Wisdom |publisher=SBNation.com |date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref> He regularly creates good scoring opportunities for his teammates, resulting in him averaging over eight assists per game for his career.<ref>{{cite web|last=Young |first=Royce |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/okc-thunder/post/_/id/1054|title=Russell Westbrook's early passing shows OKC its offensive potential |publisher=ESPN |date=January 21, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kennedy |first=Andrew |url=http://truehoopdrew.com/2012/01/29/the-kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-pick-and-roll/ |title=The Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook pick-and-roll « True Hoop Drew |publisher=Truehoopdrew.com |date=January 29, 2012 |access-date=April 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509202947/http://truehoopdrew.com/2012/01/29/the-kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-pick-and-roll/ |archive-date=May 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Rafferty |first=Scott |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4658969-russell-westbrook-post-up-thunder-kevin-durant |title=Russell Westbrook post-ups are the Thunder's deadly secret weapon |publisher=SportingNews.com |date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=March 13, 2016 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313203532/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4658969-russell-westbrook-post-up-thunder-kevin-durant |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite his intense style of play, and despite having torn his right meniscus in 2013,<ref name=":1" /> Westbrook remains one of the NBA's most durable players. The 2025–26 season marked his 18th season in the NBA. In his first five years with Oklahoma City he played in every game.<ref name="NBA.REF" />
{{As of|2025|11|06|df=US}}, Westbrook's 204 regular-season triple-doubles are the most in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Triple-Doubles|work=Basketball Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/trp_dbl_career.html|access-date=April 28, 2024}}</ref> His 12 playoff triple-doubles put him at fourth most all time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harney |first=Will |url=http://www.interbasket.net/news/21767/2017/04/the-15-players-with-the-most-playoff-triple-doubles-in-nba-history/ |title=The 17 players with the most PLAYOFF triple doubles in NBA history |work=interbasket.net |date=April 19, 2017 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>
Westbrook's free throw percentage has declined in the latter years of his career, coinciding with an NBA rule change implemented before the 2017–18 season.<ref name="FT">{{cite web| title=The NBA Rule Change Which Ruined Russell Westbrook's Free Throw Shooting| url=https://basketballforever.com/2019/01/03/the-nba-rule-change-which-ruined-russell-westbrooks-free-throw-shooting| website=basketballforever.com| access-date=2025-01-20| date=2019-01-03| archive-date=2024-10-01| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001205027/https://basketballforever.com/2019/01/03/the-nba-rule-change-which-ruined-russell-westbrooks-free-throw-shooting}}</ref> In order to reduce wasted time, the rule stipulated that the free throw shooter may not walk back beyond the three-point line in between free throws. While this did not affect most players, it changed Westbrook's prior routine of walking back nearly to half-court between shots, something he had done since childhood.<ref name="FT" /> His free throw percentage dropped from 82.3% for the nine years prior to the rule change, to 68.5% for the 7 1/2 years since (to January 2025).<ref name="NBA.REF" />
Westbrook's three-point shooting and turnovers are sometimes mentioned when pundits criticize his play, leading to the nickname "Westbrick". As of January 2025, he has averaged 30.5% on three-point field goal attempts and 3.9 turnovers per game during his career.<ref name="NBA.REF">{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html |title=Russell Westbrook|website=basketball-reference.com|access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref><ref name="nytimeswestbrook">{{cite web|last=Anderson |first=Sam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/magazine/the-misunderstood-genius-of-russell-westbrook.html?_r=0 |title=The Misunderstood Genius of Russell Westbrook |work=The New York Times |date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017}}</ref> Westbrook has also been criticized for his "single-mindedness" and for being uncooperative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Rob |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Russell Westbrook's Ex-Teammate: 'It Wasn't Always Fun' to Play with Thunder PG |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2802812-russell-westbrooks-ex-teammate-it-wasnt-always-fun-to-play-with-thunder-pg |access-date=December 7, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> However, teammates and former teammates such as Paul George,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Esnaashari |first=Farbod |date=March 8, 2023 |title=Paul George Reveals Why Russell Westbrook is an Amazing Teammate |url=https://www.si.com/nba/clippers/news/paul-george-reveals-why-russell-westbrook-is-an-amazing-teammate |access-date=September 2, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> Austin Reaves<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Linn |first=Joey |date=August 13, 2023 |title=Austin Reaves Gets Honest About Russell Westbrook |url=https://www.si.com/nba/clippers/news/austin-reaves-gets-honest-about-russell-westbrook |access-date=September 2, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> and Bradley Beal<ref>{{Cite web|first=Rob|last=Goldberg|date=February 22, 2021|title=Bradley Beal Praises Russell Westbrook: '1 of the Best Teammates I've Ever Had'|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2932917-bradley-beal-praises-russell-westbrook-1-of-the-best-teammates-ive-ever-had|website=bleacherreport.com}}</ref> have praised him for his leadership and strong work ethic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamm |first=Jon |date=December 14, 2016 |title=Russell Westbrook's Teammates Swear by His Impact |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2681568-russell-westbrooks-teammates-swear-by-his-impact |access-date=September 2, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Hughes | first=Chase | title=No Off-Days Or Game-Day Texts: Russell Westbrook's Work Ethic Is Legendary | website=NBC4 Washington | date=2021-04-11 | url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/nbcsports/no-off-days-or-game-day-texts-russell-westbrooks-work-ethic-is-legendary/2636514/ | access-date=2025-12-14}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{NBA player statistics legend|leader=y}}
===NBA=== ====Regular season==== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2008}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 65 || 32.5 || .398 || .271 || .815 || 4.9 || 5.3 || 1.3 || .2 || 15.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2009}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 34.3 || .418 || .221 || .780 || 4.9 || 8.0 || 1.3 || .4 || 16.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | '''82''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 34.7 || .442 || .330 || .842 || 4.6 || 8.2 || 1.9 || .4 || 21.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | style="background:#cfecec;"|66* || style="background:#cfecec;"|66* || 35.3 || .457 || .316 || .823 || 4.6 || 5.5 || 1.7 || .3 || 23.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 34.9 || .438 || .323 || .800 || 5.2 || 7.4 || 1.8 || .3 || 23.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 46 || 46 || 30.7 || .437 || .318 || .826 || 5.7 || 6.9 || 1.9 || .2 || 21.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 67 || 67 || 34.4 || .426 || .299 || .835 || 7.3 || 8.6 || '''2.1''' || .2 || style="background:#cfecec;"|28.1* |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 80 || 80 || 34.4 || .454 || .296 || .812 || 7.8 || 10.4 || 2.0 || .3 || 23.5 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 81 || 81 || 34.6 || .425 || .343 || '''.845''' || 10.7 || 10.4 || 1.6 || .4 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''31.6'''* |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 80 || 80 || '''36.4''' || .449 || .298 || .737 || 10.1 || style="background:#cfecec;"|10.3* || 1.8 || .3 || 25.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}} | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 73 || 73 || 36.0 || .428 || .290 || .656 || 11.1 || style="background:#cfecec;"|10.7* || 1.9 || '''.5''' || 22.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}} | style="text-align:left;"|Houston | 57 || 57 || 36.0 || .472 || .258 || .763 || 7.9 || 7.0 || 1.6 || .4 || 27.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}} | style="text-align:left;"|Washington | 65 || 65 || '''36.4''' || .439 || .315 || .656 || '''11.5''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''11.7'''* || 1.4 || .4 || 22.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}} | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 78 || 78 || 34.3 || .444 || .298 || .667 || 7.4 || 7.1 || 1.0 || .3 || 18.5 |- | rowspan=2 style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}} | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers | 52 || 3 || 28.7 || .417 || .296 || .655 || 6.2 || 7.5 || 1.0 || .4 || 15.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers | 21 || 21 || 30.2 || '''.489''' || '''.356''' || .658 || 4.9 || 7.6 || 1.1|| '''.5''' || 15.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}} | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers | 68 || 11 || 22.5 || .454 || .273 || .688 || 5.0 || 4.5 || 1.1 || .3 || 11.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2024}} | style="text-align:left;"|Denver | 75 || 36 || 27.9 || .449 || .323 || .661 || 4.9 || 6.1 || 1.4 || '''.5''' || 13.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2025}} | style="text-align:left;"|Sacramento | 64 || 58 || 29.0 || .427 || .338 || .694 || 5.4 || 6.7 || 1.3 || .2 || 15.2 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | 1,301 || 1,133 || 33.1 || .438 || .308 || .771 || 6.9 || 8.0 || 1.6 || .3 || 20.9 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star | 9 || 2 || 22.5 || .506 || .338 || .588 || 5.2 || 3.8 || 1.4 || .0 || 21.6 {{s-end}}
====Playoffs==== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|2010 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 6 || 6 || 35.4 || '''.473''' || '''.417''' || .842 || 6.0 || 6.0 || 1.7 || .2 || 20.5 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2011 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 17 || 17 || 37.5 || .394 || .292 || .852 || 5.4 || 6.4 || 1.4 || .4 || 23.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2012 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | '''20''' || '''20''' || 38.4 || .435 || .277 || .802 || 5.5 || 5.8 || 1.6 || .4 || 23.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2013 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 2 || 2 || 33.8 || .415 || .222 || .857 || 6.5 || 7.0 || '''3.0''' || .0 || 24.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2014 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 19 || 19 || 38.7 || .420 || .280 || .884 || 7.3 || 8.1 || 2.2 || .3 || 26.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2016 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 18 || 18 || 37.4 || .405 || .324 || .829 || 6.9 || 11.0 || 2.6 || .1 || 26.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2017 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 5 || 5 || 38.9 || .388 || .265 || .800 || 11.6 || 10.8 || 2.4 || .4 ||'''37.4''' |- | style="text-align:left;"|2018 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 6 || 6 || 39.2 || .398 || .357 || .825 || '''12.0''' || 7.5 || 1.5 || .0 || 29.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2019 | style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City | 5 || 5 || '''39.4''' || .360 || .324 || '''.885''' || 8.8 || 10.6 || 1.0 || .6 || 22.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2020 | style="text-align:left;"|Houston | 8 || 8 || 32.7 || .421 || .242 || .532 || 7.0 || 4.6 || 1.5 || .3 || 17.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2021 | style="text-align:left;"|Washington | 5 || 5 || 37.2 || .333 || .250 || .791 || 10.4 || '''11.8''' || .4 || .2 || 19.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2023 | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers | 5 || 5 || 38.5 || .410 || .357 || .880 || 7.6 || 7.4 || 1.2 || '''1.4''' || 23.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2024 | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers | 6 || 0 || 19.0 || .260 || .235 || .615 || 4.2 || 1.7 || 1.2 || .5 || 6.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2025 | style="text-align:left;"|Denver | 13 || 0 || 24.1 || .391 || .317 || .700 || 3.7 || 2.6 || .9 || .1 || 11.7 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | 135 || 116 || 35.5 || .405 || .299 || .820 || 6.7 || 7.1 || 1.7 || .3 || 22.5 {{s-end}}
===College=== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|2006–07 | style="text-align:left;"|UCLA | 36 || 1 || 9.0 || .457 || '''.409''' || .548 || .8 || .7 || .4 || .0 || 3.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|2007–08 | style="text-align:left;"|UCLA | '''39''' || '''34''' || '''33.8''' || '''.465''' || .338 || '''.713''' || '''3.9''' || '''4.3''' || '''1.6''' || '''.2''' || '''12.7''' |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | 75 || 35 || 21.9 || .464 || .354 || .685 || 2.4 || 2.5 || 1.0 || .1 || 8.3 {{s-end}}
==Awards and honors== ===NBA=== * NBA Most Valuable Player (2017) * 9× NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020) * 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016) * 2× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017) * 5× All-NBA Second Team (2011–2013, 2015, 2018) * 2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2020) * 2× NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017) * 3× NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021) * NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009) * NBA Community Assist Award (2014–15) * NBA 75th Anniversary Team
===College=== * 2008 All-Pac-10 Third Team<ref>{{cite web |title=Pac-12 Conference 2011–12 Men's Basketball Media Guide |page=121 |publisher=Pac-12 Conference |year=2011 |url=http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/issue/45931 |access-date=February 9, 2012|ref=2011mg}}</ref> * 2008 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year<ref>Pac-12 Conference 2011, p. 125.</ref> * 2008 Pac-10 All-Tournament Team * 2008 Pac-10 All-Defensive Team * 2008 CollegeInsider.com All-Defensive Team
===High school=== * First-team All-CIF Division I * Third-team All-State * 2× Most Valuable Player of the Bay League
==Business interests== ===Endorsements=== In October 2012, Westbrook signed with the Jordan Brand.<ref>{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Riley | title=Jordan Brand Welcomes Russell Westbrook | website=Complex | date=2012-10-12 | url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/riley-jones/jordan-brand-welcomes-russell-westbrook | access-date=2026-04-26}}</ref> His first commercial was with the Jordan Brand and Champs in which a high school athlete purchased Jordan gear from Champs and transformed into Westbrook and won a state championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Jesse |date=May 16, 2013 |title=Watch Russell Westbrook Live the Dream in New Commercial |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1641259-watch-russell-westbrook-live-the-dream-in-new-commercial |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> In 2017, Westbrook signed a 10-year extension with Jordan Brand that gave him the largest total endorsement deal of any athlete sponsored by the brand.<ref>{{cite web |last=DePaula |first=Nick |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Sources: Russell Westbrook inks 10-year extension with Jordan Brand |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20687501 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
In November 2013, Westbrook signed with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs. He stated: "I have always loved fashion so working with Kings & Jaxs was a natural fit as we both have a fearless and creative approach to style."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2013/11/russell-westbook-underwear-model-kings-and-jaxs.html|title=Russell Westbook Is Now A Kings & Jaxs Underwear Model|first=Jian|last=DeLeon|date=November 22, 2013}}</ref> He signed with PepsiCo to become the global face of Mountain Dew Kickstart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horne |first=Erik |date=February 11, 2016 |title=VIDEO: Russell Westbrook appears in new Mountain Dew commercial |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5478257/video-russell-westbrook-appears-in-new-mountain-dew-commercial/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=Oklahoman.com}}</ref>
===Fashion=== In 2015, Westbrook was named Marketing Creative Director of the denim brand True Religion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Sam |date=February 10, 2015 |title=Russell Westbrook Named Marketing Creative Director of True Religion |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/russell-westbrook-named-marketing-creative-772209 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> In 2016, he launched the unisex streetwear brand Honor the Gift,<ref name=tschorn_03172021>{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Tschorn|title=Russell Westbrook's style vision is expansive: 'Honor the Gift' is just the beginning|date=March 17, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/image/story/2021-03-17/nba-russell-westbrook-honors-la-roots-fashion-brand|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Emily|last=Farra|title=A First Look at Russell Westbrook's New Unisex Streetwear Line, Honor the Gift|date=November 14, 2017|work=Vogue|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/russell-westbrook-honor-the-gift-unisex-streetwear-oklahoma-city|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> which pays tribute to his years growing up in Hawthorne and Los Angeles.<ref name=tschorn_03172021/><ref>{{cite news|first=Adam|last= Popescu|title=Russell Westbrook's Complicated Homecoming|date=April 9, 2022|newspaper=The New York Times|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/09/style/russell-westbrook.html|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref>
===Film=== Westbrook made his production debut with ''Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre'' about the Tulsa race massacre,<ref name=tsn_07142021/> which was inspired by his time playing in Oklahoma City.<ref>{{cite news|first= Haleluya|last=Hadero|title=NBA star Russell Westbrook scoring big with own philanthropy|date=March 9, 2021|publisher=The Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/nba-basketball-russell-westbrook-media-social-media-169d49c0e8b2483ff15c4ae9cdd175f5|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> It received three Primetime Emmy nominations in 2021. He produced the short film ''Why Not?'' in a collaboration with Jordan Brand.<ref name=tsn_07142021>{{cite news|title=Russell Westbrook earns three Emmy nominations for his "Tulsa Burning" documentary|date=July 14, 2021|website=TSN.ca|url=https://www.tsn.ca/russell-westbrook-earns-three-emmy-nominations-for-his-tulsa-burning-documentary-1.1667741|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> He also produced his autobiographical documentary, ''Passion Play: Russell Westbrook'', which debuted on Showtime in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Woike|title=Russell Westbrook is producing a documentary about himself for Showtime|date=September 22, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-09-22/russell-westbrook-showtime-documentary-passion-play|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref>
==Personal life== Westbrook and his wife have three children: one son and twin daughters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Boone|first=Kyle|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/russell-westbrook-and-wife-announce-birth-of-newborn-son-name-him-noah/|title=Russell Westbrook and wife announce birth of son Noah|work=cbssports.com|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=May 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name="warriors-thunder">{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2018 |title=Westbrook stars, Diallo hurt in Thunder's win over Warriors |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070945 |access-date=November 21, 2018 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |quote=...then another when he welcomed twin daughters Saturday night.}}</ref>
Westbrook wears a "KB3" wristband and has "KB3" on his sneakers in honor of his childhood friend Khelcey Barrs III.<ref name="Markazi"/> In 2012, he started the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which promotes community-based education and family service programs while pushing the younger generation to be self-confident.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Miller|title=The meaning behind Russell Westbrook's 'Why Not?' slogan|date=January 13, 2021|work=NBC Sports Washington|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/meaning-behind-russell-westbrooks-why-not-slogan|access-date=April 10, 2022}}</ref>
==Publications== *{{cite book|first=Russell|last=Westbrook|title=Russell Westbrook: Style Drivers|publisher=Rizzoli|year=2017|isbn=978-0-8478-5993-1}}
==See also== {{Portal|Sports}} * List of NBA career scoring leaders * List of NBA career assists leaders * List of NBA career steals leaders * List of NBA career turnovers leaders * List of NBA career minutes played leaders * List of NBA career games played leaders * List of NBA career triple-double leaders * List of NBA career playoff assists leaders * List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders * List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders * List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders * List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Russell Westbrook}} {{basketballstats |nba=201566 |bbr=w/westbru01}} * [https://www.nba.com/player/201566/russell-westbrook NBA.com profile] * [http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30500&ATCLID=208185204 UCLA Bruins bio]
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