Russell Westbrook III (born November 12, 1988) is an American professional basketball player. He plays as a point guard for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Westbrook started his NBA career in 2008 and became a big star with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six different NBA teams.

Westbrook played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. He was chosen as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. That team soon moved and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook played for the Thunder for 11 seasons. He is the team's all-time leading scorer. He also played in the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Thunder.

Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) in the 2016–17 season. He has led the NBA in scoring twice and in assists three times. Westbrook is famous for getting "triple-doubles." A triple-double means a player gets double-digit numbers in three different stats in one game. He is the all-time NBA leader in career triple-doubles. Westbrook is known for his strong drives to the basket, his rebounding, and his intense playing style.

Westbrook has also played for the U.S. national team. He won gold medals at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics.

Early Life and Basketball Dreams

Russell Westbrook III was born in Long Beach, California. His parents are Russell Westbrook Jr. and Shannon Horton. He has a younger brother named Raynard. Growing up in Hawthorne, Russell and his best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, dreamed of playing basketball together at UCLA.

Sadly, Khelcey Barrs III died at age 16 in 2004 from an enlarged heart. This made Westbrook even more determined to succeed in basketball. He always wears a "KB3" wristband to remember his friend.

High School Basketball Journey

When Westbrook started at Leuzinger High School, he was only 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall. He weighed just 140 pounds (64 kg). He didn't even start on his school's main team until his junior year. He grew to his adult height of 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) the summer before his senior year.

In his senior year, Westbrook played amazingly. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game. He even scored a career-high 51 points in one game. After his growth spurt and great play, coach Ben Howland asked him to play for the UCLA Bruins. Westbrook waited for a scholarship spot to open up and joined UCLA.

College Career at UCLA

Westbrook playing defense for UCLA

Westbrook wore number 0 while playing for the University of California, Los Angeles. In his first year (2006–07), he was a backup player. He mostly focused on defense and bringing energy to the team. He averaged 3.4 points per game.

The next season (2007–08), Westbrook became a starter. He improved a lot, averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He was named to the All-Pac-10 Third Team. He also won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award.

UCLA reached the Final Four in both of Westbrook's seasons. After two years, he decided to leave college early for the NBA draft. He still finished his school quarter, which is rare for players who leave early.

Professional Basketball Career

Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2019)

Starting Strong in the NBA

Westbrook (left) with teammate Kevin Durant in 2010.

The Seattle SuperSonics picked Westbrook fourth in the 2008 NBA draft. Six days later, the team moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. Westbrook signed with them in July 2008.

On March 2, 2009, Westbrook got his first career triple-double. He had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was one of only three rookies in the team's history to do this. In his first season, he averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

In his second season, Westbrook became a full-time starter. He helped the Thunder win many more games. They made it to the playoffs with a 50–32 record. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

Becoming an All-Star and NBA Finals

Westbrook playing in March 2011

In November 2010, Westbrook scored a career-high 43 points. He was chosen for his first NBA All-Star Game. He finished the season averaging 21.9 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team. The Thunder made it to the Western Conference Finals but lost.

In the 2011–12 season, Westbrook was an All-Star again. He scored a new career-high of 45 points in one game. He helped lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals for the first time. They lost to the Miami Heat in five games. In Game 4 of the Finals, Westbrook scored a playoff career-high 43 points.

Injuries and Comebacks

Westbrook drives to the basket in March 2011.

Westbrook was an All-Star again in the 2012–13 season. He averaged 23.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. In the playoffs, he injured his right knee. He had surgery and missed the rest of the playoffs. The Thunder lost in the next round without him.

He had more knee surgeries before the next season. He missed some games but came back to play. The Thunder made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2014. They lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Westbrook played very well in the playoffs, averaging 26.7 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.3 rebounds.

Westbrook goes up for a layup against Cleveland in 2015.

In the 2014–15 season, Westbrook broke his hand and missed 14 games. When he came back, he played incredibly well. He set a new career high with 48 points. He also became the first player since 2009 to get three triple-doubles in a row.

On March 4, 2015, Westbrook had 49 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was his fourth triple-double in a row! He was named the All-Star MVP in 2015. Despite his amazing play, the Thunder missed the playoffs that season.

MVP Season and Record-Breaking Triple-Doubles

Westbrook with André Roberson

After Kevin Durant left the Thunder in 2016, Westbrook became the main player. He signed a new contract with the team. On December 9, Westbrook got his seventh triple-double in a row. This was the longest streak since Michael Jordan in 1989.

Westbrook shooting over Washington's John Wall

On April 9, 2017, Westbrook made history. He got his 42nd triple-double of the season. This broke Oscar Robertson's record for the most triple-doubles in a single season. He also hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer! Westbrook became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season.

On June 26, 2017, Westbrook won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. He was recognized as the best player in the league.

More Triple-Doubles and Leaving OKC

Westbrook signed a huge contract extension with the Thunder in 2017. He continued to get many triple-doubles. On March 13, 2018, he got his 100th career triple-double. This made him only the fourth player in NBA history to reach that mark. He led the league in assists per game that season. The Thunder lost in the first round of the playoffs.

In the 2018–19 season, Westbrook missed some games due to knee inflammation. On January 10, 2019, he had a career-high 24 assists. On February 11, he broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive triple-doubles with 11 in a row. He also passed Gary Payton to become the Thunder's all-time leading scorer.

On April 2, Westbrook had an incredible game with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists. He was only the second player in NBA history to get 20+ in all three categories. He led the league in assists for the third year in a row. The Thunder lost in the first round of the playoffs again.

Houston Rockets (2019–2020)

Westbrook reunited with former Thunder teammate James Harden in Houston.

On July 16, 2019, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets. This reunited him with his former Thunder teammate, James Harden. They were excited to play together again.

Westbrook made his Rockets debut on October 24, 2019. He had 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. In his second game, he passed Magic Johnson for second all-time in career triple-doubles. On January 20, 2020, he joined LeBron James as the only players to get a triple-double against all 30 NBA teams.

The NBA season was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Westbrook tested positive for COVID-19 but recovered. He missed some playoff games due to injury. The Rockets were eliminated by the Lakers in the semifinals.

Washington Wizards (2020–2021)

Breaking the Triple-Double Record

On December 2, 2020, Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards. He missed the All-Star Game for the first time since 2014. On March 30, 2021, he had 35 points, 21 assists, and 14 rebounds. This broke Darrell Walker's Wizards franchise record for career triple-doubles.

On May 10, 2021, Westbrook made history again. He got his 182nd career triple-double. This passed Oscar Robertson for the most triple-doubles in NBA history! He averaged a triple-double for the season for the fourth time in his career. He also led the NBA in assists per game. The Wizards made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2023)

Westbrook takes a shot in 2022.

On August 6, 2021, Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This was his fourth team in three years. His first season with the Lakers was tough. He faced criticism for his play and turnovers.

On January 4, 2022, he had his first game without any turnovers since 2016. The Lakers struggled and missed the playoffs in 2022. This was only the third time in Westbrook's career he missed the playoffs.

For the 2022–23 season, Westbrook took on a new role. He came off the bench for the first time since his rookie year. On December 9, he got his first career triple-double coming off the bench. On January 15, 2023, he set a record for the most triple-doubles off the bench in NBA history. On January 30, he passed Gary Payton for tenth place on the all-time career assists list.

On February 9, 2023, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz. He did not play any games for them.

Los Angeles Clippers (2023–2024)

On February 22, 2023, Westbrook signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. He reunited with his former Thunder teammate Paul George. Westbrook became a starter for the Clippers. He played well and helped the team.

On March 11, Westbrook passed Isiah Thomas for ninth place on the all-time career assists list. Coach Tyronn Lue praised Westbrook for his effort and toughness. The Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. Westbrook played well, but the Clippers were eliminated.

In July 2023, the Clippers re-signed Westbrook. After James Harden joined the team, Westbrook asked to come off the bench again. On January 1, 2024, Westbrook passed Patrick Ewing for 25th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. On February 2, he became the 25th player in NBA history to score 25,000 career points. On April 9, he got his first triple-double as a Clipper. The Clippers lost in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.

On July 18, 2024, Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz again, but he was waived two days later.

Denver Nuggets (2024–present)

On July 26, 2024, Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets. On November 19, Westbrook achieved his 200th career triple-double. This made him the first player in NBA history to reach this milestone. On December 30, he got a triple-double without missing a shot or having any turnovers. This is a very rare feat.

On January 10, 2025, Westbrook and his teammate Nikola Jokić both got triple-doubles in the same game. This was the second time they did it together in one season.

Playing for Team USA

Westbrook with Team USA in 2012

In 2010, Westbrook was chosen for the FIBA World Championship team in Turkey. Team USA won the gold medal, their first World Championship since 1994.

Westbrook also played for the 2012 Summer Olympic team in London. He won another gold medal there. He chose not to play in the 2016 Olympics.

Player Profile and Style

Westbrook dribbling in 2015

Westbrook is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighs 200 pounds (91 kg). He is known for playing with very high energy and intensity. He often tries to push the ball fast to score quick points. He loves to attack the basket, but he also takes many mid-range jump shots. He is great at creating scoring chances for his teammates, averaging over eight assists per game in his career.

Even though he plays very hard and had a knee injury in 2013, Westbrook is one of the NBA's most durable players. He is currently in his 17th year in the NBA. In his first five years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he played in every single game.

As of January 2025, Westbrook has 202 regular-season triple-doubles. This is the most in NBA history. He also has 12 playoff triple-doubles, which is fourth all-time.

His free throw shooting has changed over his career. After a rule change in 2017, his percentage dropped. Before the rule, he shot 82.3% from the free-throw line. After the rule, it dropped to 68.5%.

Some people criticize Westbrook's three-point shooting and his turnovers. He has averaged 30.5% on three-point shots and 3.9 turnovers per game. However, his teammates and former teammates praise him for his leadership and strong work ethic.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular Season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2008–09	Oklahoma City	82*	65	32.5	.398	.271	.815	4.9	5.3	1.3	.2	15.3
2009–10	Oklahoma City	82*	82*	34.3	.418	.221	.780	4.9	8.0	1.3	.4	16.1
2010–11	Oklahoma City	82	82*	34.7	.442	.330	.842	4.6	8.2	1.9	.4	21.9
2011–12	Oklahoma City	66*	66*	35.3	.457	.316	.823	4.6	5.5	1.7	.3	23.6
2012–13	Oklahoma City	82*	82*	34.9	.438	.323	.800	5.2	7.4	1.8	.3	23.2
2013–14	Oklahoma City	46	46	30.7	.437	.318	.826	5.7	6.9	1.9	.2	21.8
2014–15	Oklahoma City	67	67	34.4	.426	.299	.835	7.3	8.6	2.1	.2	28.1*
2015–16	Oklahoma City	80	80	34.4	.454	.296	.812	7.8	10.4	2.0	.3	23.5
2016–17	Oklahoma City	81	81	34.6	.425	.343	.845	10.7	10.4	1.6	.4	31.6*
2017–18	Oklahoma City	80	80	36.4	.449	.298	.737	10.1	10.3*	1.8	.3	25.4
2018–19	Oklahoma City	73	73	36.0	.428	.290	.656	11.1	10.7*	1.9	.5	22.9
2019–20	Houston	57	57	36.0	.472	.258	.763	7.9	7.0	1.6	.4	27.2
2020–21	Washington	65	65	36.4	.439	.315	.656	11.5	11.7*	1.4	.4	22.2
2021–22	L.A. Lakers	78	78	34.3	.444	.298	.667	7.4	7.1	1.0	.3	18.5
2022–23	L.A. Lakers	52	3	28.7	.417	.296	.655	6.2	7.5	1.0	.4	15.9
2022–23	L.A. Clippers	21	21	30.2	.489	.356	.658	4.9	7.6	1.1	.5	15.8
2023–24	L.A. Clippers	68	11	22.5	.454	.273	.688	5.0	4.5	1.1	.3	11.1
Career		1,162	1,039	33.6	.438	.304	.776	7.1	8.1	1.6	.3	21.7
All-Star		9	2	22.5	.506	.338	.588	5.2	3.8	1.4	.0	21.6

Play-in

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2021	Washington	2	2	35.0	.387	.000	.824	11.0	10.0	2.0	1.0	19.0
Career		2	2	35.0	.387	.000	.824	11.0	10.0	2.0	1.0	19.0

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2010	Oklahoma City	6	6	35.4	.473	.417	.842	6.0	6.0	1.7	.2	20.5
2011	Oklahoma City	17	17	37.5	.394	.292	.852	5.4	6.4	1.4	.4	23.8
2012	Oklahoma City	20	20	38.4	.435	.277	.802	5.5	5.8	1.6	.4	23.1
2013	Oklahoma City	2	2	33.8	.415	.222	.857	6.5	7.0	3.0	.0	24.0
2014	Oklahoma City	19	19	38.7	.420	.280	.884	7.3	8.1	2.2	.3	26.7
2016	Oklahoma City	18	18	37.4	.405	.324	.829	6.9	11.0	2.6	.1	26.0
2017	Oklahoma City	5	5	38.9	.388	.265	.800	11.6	10.8	2.4	.4	37.4
2018	Oklahoma City	6	6	39.2	.398	.357	.825	12.0	7.5	1.5	.0	29.3
2019	Oklahoma City	5	5	39.4	.360	.324	.885	8.8	10.6	1.0	.6	22.8
2020	Houston	8	8	32.7	.421	.242	.532	7.0	4.6	1.5	.3	17.9
2021	Washington	5	5	37.2	.333	.250	.791	10.4	11.8	.4	.2	19.0
2023	L.A. Clippers	5	5	38.5	.410	.357	.880	7.6	7.4	1.2	1.4	23.6
2024	L.A. Clippers	6	0	19.0	.260	.235	.615	4.2	1.7	1.2	.5	6.3
Career		122	116	36.7	.405	.297	.825	7.0	7.5	1.7	.3	23.6

College

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2006–07	UCLA	36	1	9.0	.457	.409	.548	.8	.7	.4	.0	3.4
2007–08	UCLA	39	34	33.8	.465	.338	.713	3.9	4.3	1.6	.2	12.7
Career		75	35	21.9	.464	.354	.685	2.4	2.5	1.0	.1	8.3

Awards and Honors

NBA Achievements

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 75th Anniversary Team

College Achievements

2008 All-Pac-10 Third Team
2008 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year
2008 Pac-10 All-Defensive Team

Off-Court Interests

Endorsements and Brands

In 2012, Westbrook signed with Jordan Brand. He later signed a 10-year extension, which was a very big deal for an athlete sponsored by the brand. He also worked with Kings and Jaxs Boxer Briefs and became a global face for Mountain Dew Kickstart.

Fashion and Style

Westbrook loves fashion. In 2015, he became the Marketing Creative Director for the denim brand True Religion. In 2016, he started his own streetwear brand called Honor the Gift. This brand pays tribute to his childhood in Hawthorne and Los Angeles.

Film Production

Westbrook has also worked in film. He produced Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, which was inspired by his time in Oklahoma City. This film was nominated for three Emmy Awards. He also produced a short film called Why Not? and his own documentary, Passion Play: Russell Westbrook.

Personal Life

Westbrook is married and has three children: a son and twin daughters.

He continues to wear his "KB3" wristband and has "KB3" on his sneakers to honor his childhood friend, Khelcey Barrs III. In 2012, he started the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation. This foundation helps young people by promoting education and family programs. It encourages kids to be confident in themselves.

Russell Westbrook facts for kids

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