Few NBA players have sparked as much debate about legacy and attitude as Russell Westbrook. Now in his 18th season, the 2017 MVP is bringing his relentless style to the Sacramento Kings after signing a one-year deal NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet).

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Current Team: Sacramento Kings · Position: Guard · Age: 37 (born November 12, 1988) · MVP Season: 2016-17

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact nature of the current Durant-Westbrook personal friendship
  • Whether Westbrook will remain with the Kings beyond the 2025-26 season
  • Specific contract details (guaranteed amounts, options)
  • Whether Westbrook will ever win an NBA championship
3Timeline signal
  • 2008: Drafted 4th overall by Seattle Supersonics (became Oklahoma City Thunder) Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) (ClutchPoints (NBA news site))
  • 2016-17: Won NBA MVP and averaged a triple-double Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) (ClutchPoints (NBA news site))
  • 2024: Signed with Sacramento Kings NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet) (ClutchPoints (NBA news site))
  • 2025: Westbrook posted “18 Still adding. Forever.” indicating preparation for 19th season ClutchPoints (NBA news site)
4What’s next

Ten key identifiers, one takeaway: Westbrook’s resume is unmatched for a player his age.

Attribute Value
Full Name Russell Westbrook III
Date of Birth November 12, 1988
Height 6’4″
Weight 200 lbs
Position Point guard / Shooting guard
Current Team Sacramento Kings
College UCLA
NBA Debut 2008
MVP Season 2016-17
All-Star Selections 9 (2011-2020)

What’s happening with Russell Westbrook?

Latest team situation and role on the Sacramento Kings

  • Westbrook signed a one-year contract with the Kings in July 2024 after being waived by the Utah Jazz NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet).
  • He serves as a backup point guard and brings veteran leadership to a young roster ANTARA News (Indonesian wire service).
The upshot

Westbrook’s transition to a smaller market like Sacramento gives him a chance to redefine his legacy as a mentor. But the Kings’ playoff hopes depend on him accepting a reduced on-ball role.

Performance in the 2024-25 season

  • While with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over 75 games NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet).
  • In the 2025-26 season with the Kings, he started 58 of 64 games and posted 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game ClutchPoints (NBA news site).
  • Shooting splits: 42.7% FG, 33.8% 3PT, 69.4% FT ClutchPoints (NBA news site).

The implication: Westbrook remains a productive starter, but his three-point shooting (below league average) limits the Kings’ spacing. Basketball-Reference (stats database) confirms his career 3PT% of 30.5%.

Where is Russell Westbrook?

Current team and city

Living situation and family

  • He also maintains a home in Los Angeles, where his wife Nina and their three children often stay Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).

The pattern: Westbrook splits time between two cities, balancing his role as a Kings veteran with family ties in Southern California.

Are KD and Westbrook friends again?

History of the Durant-Westbrook friendship

  • They were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2016 Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • Their relationship strained after Durant left the Thunder in 2016 Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).

Recent quotes from both players and current relationship status

  • In a 2024 interview, Durant said Westbrook “DESERVES to be in the NBA” Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • Durant added that Westbrook was “one of the guys I leaned on” during their Thunder days Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).

The catch: While public comments are warm, the private friendship’s depth remains unclear.

What did Kobe say about Westbrook?

Kobe Bryant’s famous ‘same way’ quote about Westbrook

  • Kobe told The Players’ Tribune in 2016: “He plays the same way I would play” Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • Kobe admired Westbrook’s intensity and competitiveness, calling him a “dog” on the court Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
Why this matters

When Kobe compares a player to his own style, it’s the ultimate endorsement. Westbrook has carried that intensity through 18 seasons, but it’s also led to criticism about decision-making.

The implication: Kobe’s comparison remains one of the highest compliments in Westbrook’s career.

What did KD say about Westbrook?

Kevin Durant’s recent comments defending Westbrook

  • Durant told The Athletic in 2024 that Westbrook “DESERVES to be in the NBA” and called him one of the best point guards ever Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • He recalled leaning on Westbrook during their Thunder years Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).

The trade-off: Durant’s public support helps dispel rumors of a rift, but neither player has confirmed a close friendship off the floor.

Timeline

  • 2008 – Drafted 4th overall by the Seattle Supersonics (became Oklahoma City Thunder) Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2012 – Appeared in NBA Finals with the Thunder (lost to Miami Heat) Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2016-17 – Won NBA MVP; averaged triple-double Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2019 – Traded to Houston Rockets Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2020 – Traded to Washington Wizards Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2021 – Traded to Los Angeles Lakers Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2023 – Traded to Los Angeles Clippers Wikipedia (online encyclopedia).
  • 2024 – Traded to Utah Jazz, then waived; signed with Sacramento Kings NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet).
The catch

Westbrook has played for five teams in six seasons. Each move brought a reset, but the Kings are betting his veteran presence will stabilize their young core without disrupting chemistry.

The pattern: Westbrook’s career has been defined by frequent moves, but the Kings represent a chance for stability.

Clarity

Confirmed facts

  • Westbrook is currently a member of the Sacramento Kings playing his 18th season. NBA.com (the league’s official news outlet)
  • He won the NBA MVP in 2017 with a historic triple-double season. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)
  • Kobe Bryant praised Westbrook’s competitive drive in a 2016 interview. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)
  • Kevin Durant has publicly supported Westbrook in recent years. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

What’s unclear

  • The exact nature of the current Durant-Westbrook personal friendship.
  • Whether Westbrook will remain with the Kings beyond the 2025-26 season.
  • Specific contract details (guaranteed amounts, options).
  • Whether Westbrook will ever win an NBA championship.

What this means: The uncertainty around Westbrook’s future and relationships adds to his narrative.

Quotes

“He plays the same way I would play.”

– Kobe Bryant, in an interview with The Players’ Tribune (2016) Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

“He DESERVES to be in the NBA. He’s one of the best point guards to ever play.”

– Kevin Durant, in an interview with The Athletic (2024) Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

“18 Still adding. Forever.”

– Russell Westbrook, social media post (2025) ClutchPoints (NBA news site)

Westbrook’s own message captures the relentless drive that has defined his career. For the Kings, the implication is clear: they have a veteran who still believes he has more to give, and he’s willing to do it in Sacramento.

Related reading: Josh Giddey Stats

The detailed box score from the Kings-Clippers game highlights Westbrook’s triple-double contribution to the Kings’ win.

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Frequently asked questions

What position does Russell Westbrook play?

He is a point guard and occasionally plays shooting guard. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

How many career points has Russell Westbrook scored?

He has scored 25,211 points through the 2024-25 season. Basketball-Reference (stats database)

Has Russell Westbrook ever won an NBA championship?

No, he has not won an NBA championship. He appeared in the Finals in 2012 with the Thunder.

What college did Russell Westbrook attend?

He played for UCLA. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

What is Russell Westbrook’s net worth?

According to estimates, his net worth is around $375 million from NBA contracts and endorsements. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

How does Westbrook’s speed compare to other NBA players?

Westbrook was recorded running at 20.16 miles per hour, among the fastest in the NBA. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

Does Russell Westbrook have any endorsement deals?

Yes, he has a long-term partnership with Jordan Brand. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

What is Russell Westbrook’s jersey number?

He has worn No. 0 for most of his career, including with the Kings. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)

For more NBA player profiles, check out our article on Josh Giddey Stats.

Bottom line: The implication: Westbrook’s career stats and personal details continue to fascinate fans.