LeBron James celebrates Russell Westbrook's retirement on social media

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on August 12, 2026, marking the end of an 18-year career. LeBron James recognized Westbrook's achievements, posting on Instagram, 'HELLUVA CAREER BRODIE!! HOF next!!' Westbrook, a two-time scoring champion and 2016-17 MVP, is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. While his time with the Los Angeles Lakers was challenging, his overall impact on the sport is widely acknowledged as significant. As the first notable retirement from the NBA's recent era, his decision drew widespread attention from players and fans alike.

• 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — LeBron James gives Russell Westbrook flowers for retirement: 'HOF next!!'