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Russell Westbrook announces retirement after 18-season NBA career

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 10:55 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Russell Westbrook announces retirement after 18-season NBA career

Summary

Russell Westbrook retired from professional basketball on August 12, 2026, ending an 18-season NBA career. The announcement came via a farewell video narrated by Michael B. Jordan. Westbrook, a former UCLA standout, leaves behind a complicated legacy with a two-year college résumé that falls short of UCLA’s greatest players. He played a pivotal role during his time at UCLA, helping the Bruins reach consecutive Final Fours but never securing All-American honors or a national championship. His career was marked by significant achievements at the NBA level, but debates over his status among UCLA's greatest will likely continue.

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By the Numbers

•Westbrook's retirement announced via video on August 12, 2026
•Played 18 seasons in the NBA with historic production
•Averaged 8.3 points, 2.5 assists at UCLA
•Helped UCLA reach Final Fours in 2007 and 2008
•Debates about his legacy among Bruins continue

Latest Updates

10:55 PMYahoo Sports — Can Russell Westbrook be a UCLA icon without being among UCLA’s greatest?

What they're saying

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Russell Westbrook’s retirement closes the career of one of the most recognizable basketball players UCLA has ever produced. Whether that makes him one of the greatest Bruins is a more...
— Yahoo Sports

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