LOS ANGELES -- Russell Westbrook won a men's basketball gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, but the former NBA star has a new goal in retirement: to serve as a torchbearer when the 2028 Summer Olympics come to his hometown of Los Angeles.
"I'm putting this out now: I want to be in the presentation of Los Angeles, as it pertains to carrying the torch during the 2028 Olympics," Westbrook said Friday after being honored by the Los Angeles City Council for his community service work.
Westbrook, who announced his retirement in August after 18 NBA seasons, said that he has "challenged" his Why Not? Foundation employees to expand their philanthropic efforts to help achieve his goal.
"To be able to [carry the torch], you have to be able to position yourself to have your hands in so many different areas," he said. "For me, I'm working religiously impacting so many people, advancing technology, energy, education, health care, mental health and wellness. Every aspect, I want to have my hands in to help any way I can."
Westbrook's Los Angeles ties run deep: He attended Leuzinger High School and UCLA, then played for both the Lakers and Clippers during his decorated NBA career.
Los Angeles city councilwomen Heather Hutt saluted Westbrook as a "humanitarian" for his investments in local schools, athletic facilities and development projects.
"Anything I do from basketball to business is based around L.A.," he said. "I wear L.A. on my sleeve. The way I played, the way I operate, even the way I talk and walk is LA. I'll never change that.... My legacy will be based on how much I give back to the people of L.A."
The nine-time All-Star and 2017 MVP retired as the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles. Westbrook, 37, averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Sacramento Kings last season, and his decision to step away caught many by surprise given that he was still a productive player.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant said Friday that Westbrook's retirement left him "a little sad."
"I thought Russ still had five or six more years left," Durant said of his longtime teammate on the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He's an athletic body that can still impact the game positively. Congrats to him on an iconic career."
Westbrook, who was known for his all-out energy on the court, has no intention of slowing down in retirement. While he said that his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will "hopefully happen soon," his primary focus is on his hometown.