Russell Westbrook, an electrifying force on the basketball court, has not only made a name for himself with his exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit but also accumulated significant wealth throughout his career. With a net worth estimated at $300 million, Westbrook stands among the wealthiest athletes in the world. This article provides a comprehensive look at Russell Westbrook’s earnings, wealth, and the various sources that contribute to his impressive financial portfolio.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Russell Westbrook III was born on November 12, 1988, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Hawthorne with his mother, Shannon, father, Russell Jr., and younger brother, Raynard. From a young age, Westbrook showed a passion for basketball, often playing with his best friend, Khelcey Barrs III. The two dreamed of playing basketball together at UCLA, but tragedy struck in 2004 when Barrs died of an undiagnosed enlarged heart during a scrimmage. This loss deeply affected Westbrook, fueling his drive to succeed.
Westbrook attended Leuzinger High School, where he started on the varsity basketball team as a junior and averaged 25.1 points per game during his senior year. His stellar performance earned him a scholarship to play basketball at UCLA. During his sophomore year, he was the team’s starter and was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. In 2008, Westbrook declared for the NBA draft, leaving UCLA to pursue his professional career.
Professional Career and NBA Success
Russell Westbrook was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who became the Oklahoma City Thunder shortly after. Westbrook signed with the Thunder on July 5, 2008, and quickly made an impact. In his rookie season, he averaged 15.3 points per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Westbrook’s career took off from there, becoming a full-time starter in his second year and helping the Thunder qualify for the playoffs. In 2011, he was chosen to play in the NBA All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, honors he received again in 2012. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012, where Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan to score 25+ points and 10+ assists in his first NBA Finals game.
Over the years, Westbrook has continued to excel, earning numerous accolades, including being named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2017. He has been an NBA All-Star eight times and an NBA All-Star Game MVP twice. Westbrook has also led the league in assists twice and in scoring twice. His dynamic playing style and relentless work ethic have solidified his status as one of the top players in the league.
Record-Breaking Contracts and Earnings
Russell Westbrook’s financial success is as impressive as his on-court achievements. In September 2017, he signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Thunder, making it the largest contract in NBA history at the time. This deal averaged $41 million per year in salary. When Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019, the Rockets absorbed his contract. He later played for the Washington Wizards before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021.
Westbrook’s earnings are not limited to his NBA salary. He has also secured lucrative endorsement deals, significantly boosting his income. In 2017, he signed a 10-year deal with Jordan Brand worth between $150 million and $200 million, the largest contract in the brand’s history. His endorsement portfolio includes deals with companies like Nike, PepsiCo, and True Religion, among others.
Between June 2018 and June 2019, Westbrook earned $53 million from salary and endorsements. As his base salary climbed above $40 million, his total annual earnings, including endorsements, often exceeded $60 million. In June 2022, Westbrook opted to remain with the Lakers for the 2022-2023 season at a salary of $47.1 million.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Russell Westbrook married Nina Earl, a fellow UCLA basketball player, on August 29, 2015. The couple has three children: son Noah, born in 2017, and twin daughters Skye and Jordyn, born in 2018. Westbrook is known for his strong family values and often shares moments with his family on social media.
Westbrook honors his late best friend, Khelcey Barrs III, by wearing a “KB3” wristband and writing “KB3” on his sneakers. The Jordan Why Not? Zer0.3, part of his signature sneaker series, features a “KB3” patch on each shoe, a tribute to his friend.
In addition to his basketball career, Westbrook is actively involved in philanthropy. He established the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation, which aims to inspire and empower children to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. The foundation focuses on education, family service programs, and health initiatives.
Real Estate Investments
Russell Westbrook’s wealth is also evident in his real estate investments. In 2015, he purchased a home in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles from reality star Scott Disick for $4.65 million. He listed this property for sale in June 2019 for $6 million, later lowering the price to $5.35 million.
In May 2018, Westbrook bought a 13,000-square-foot mansion in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood for $19.75 million. This luxurious home includes eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a wine cellar, and a movie theater. In September 2022, he listed the mansion for just under $30 million.
Westbrook also owned several homes in Oklahoma. He sold a three-bedroom house for $426,900 in March 2020 and listed an 8,394-square-foot mansion for $1.7 million in November 2019.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Russell Westbrook has received numerous awards and honors. In 2008, he was named to the All-Pac-10 Third Team, Pac-10 All-Tournament Team, Pac-10 All-Defensive Team, and CollegeInsider.com All-Defensive Team, and he was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. In 2017, Westbrook was named NBA Most Valuable Player, and he has been selected for the All-NBA First Team in 2016 and 2017.
Westbrook’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to deliver standout performances consistently have earned him a place among the NBA’s elite. His dynamic style of play, characterized by explosive speed and athleticism, has made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the basketball community.
Conclusion
Russell Westbrook’s journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Long Beach to one of the wealthiest and most successful athletes in the NBA is a testament to his talent, determination, and hard work. With a net worth of $300 million, Westbrook’s success extends beyond the basketball court to lucrative endorsements, savvy real estate investments, and impactful philanthropy.
As Westbrook continues to compete at the highest level and explore new opportunities, his legacy as one of the greatest and most influential players in NBA history is firmly established. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
