Lakers’ Russell Westbrook received this honor from his former city
Since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder Russell Westbrook has been a part of three teams, the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
His contributions to the Lakers have been met with criticism for his dwindling shooting efficiency and being more of a liability on the court rather than an asset. Despite his problems on the court, he still puts effort into giving back to the community, through his Why Not? Foundation.
The foundation has held food drives, donated computers to students, and delivered meals to nurses. Westbrook’s eagerness to give back to the community has always been at the forefront of his career, and recently he was acknowledged for his contributions by the mayor of Oklahoma City.
Lakers’ Russell Westbrook receives the Key to Oklahoma City
Westbrook may not have made the impact he wanted to this past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but one place he has made a positive change, is his old stomping grounds, Oklahoma City.
On Monday, Westbrook was onsite to cut the Ribbon for his foundation’s newest contribution, an outdoor futsal court at an Oklahoma City high school. The court can be used for basketball and Soccer.
During the ceremony, Westbrook was also presented a key to the city by Mayor David Holt for his constant contributions to the community.
"A special day as we cut the ribbon on a new futsal/basketball court funded by Russell Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation, Holt posted to Facebook. This new court at Capitol Hill HS in South OKC demonstrates Russ’s continued commitment to the kids of Oklahoma City Public Schools and the people of OKC. We are so grateful for all Russ has done for our city through the years, and we want him to know he’s welcome here anytime. To make sure Russ can always come back home to OKC, I gave him the Key to the City."
Westbrook played 11 seasons with the Thunder. He along with Kevin Durant and James Harden led the team to four Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals in 2012. He made eight All-Star appearances as a Thunder and won his MVP award in 2017 with the team.
"“My foundation strictly wants to continue to support things in Oklahoma City as much as we can,” Westbrook said. “This place for me was home and it’s still home for me.”"
A large portion of Westbrook’s career was spent in Oklahoma City and even though he is no longer a part of the Thunder he still considers the city his home.