LeBron James Has Classy Response To Russell Westbrook's Retirement

While there still might be some gas left in the tank, Russell Westbrook has decided to retire from the NBA at the age of 37. Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and former MVP, spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder before bouncing around the league. He went on to play ...

by Chris Rosvoglou

Aug 12, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 1: Russel Westbrook #0 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images

While there still might be some gas left in the tank, Russell Westbrook has decided to retire from the NBA at the age of 37.

Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and former MVP, spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder before bouncing around the league. He went on to play for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.

During the 2025-26 season, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game for Sacramento. Despite having another productive year, he has opted to walk away from the game.

Westbrook shared a retirement video, which was narrated by Michael B. Jordan, along with this message: "Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over.”

After Westbrook announced his retirement on Instagram, he received the following comment from LeBron James: "HELLUVA CAREER BRODIE!! HOF next!!"

James and Westbrook teamed up in Los Angeles during the 2021-22 season. They didn't exactly fit well on the court despite having respect for each other off it.

Feb 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) brings the ball down the court against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Is Russ a no-brainer Hall of Famer?

Don't let the analytics and efficiency ratings fool you, Westbrook will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame once he's eligible.

Although he never won a championship during his 18-year career, Westbrook has retired as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles (209). He's also fifth all-time in assists and 14th all-time in points.

Congratulations to Westbrook on an exceptional career.