Russell Westbrook sets his sights on Los Angeles 2028 with a mission beyond basketball
The former NBA guard is backing a clean-energy initiative that aims to tackle pollution
Russell Westbrook spent nearly two decades making his mark in the NBA , but his latest challenge has little to do with what happens on the basketball court. The former point guard is now working to address air pollution in Los Angeles , the city where he grew up, while helping create opportunities for young people through clean technology.
The former UCLA standout has partnered with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) to support a campaign focused on reducing emissions and expanding access to green jobs . The initiative aims to help Los Angeles make progress toward cleaner air before the 2028 Summer Olympics , when the city will welcome the world's attention.
Westbrook wants to help clean up the city
For Westbrook, the project is personal. Growing up in the South Los Angeles area, he saw the communities that continue to be affected by pollution. Heavy truck traffic carrying goods from the Port of Los Angeles contributes to the problem, with exhaust passing through neighborhoods like those where he spent his childhood.
The campaign seeks funding for the electrification of municipal and commercial vehicle fleets, alongside the development of clean-energy infrastructure and workforce training programs . Its ambitions extend beyond the Olympic Games, with t he goal of creating lasting benefits for residents.
Westbrook's involvement also reflects his long-standing belief that ambitious goals should not be dismissed simply because they appear difficult to achieve.
His work with young people goes beyond the basketball court
The initiative builds on a broader commitment to education and career opportunities that Westbrook has pursued for years through his Why Not? Foundation.
Since its launch in 2012, the foundation has worked with Los Angeles organizations on projects that include providing laptops to students and supporting training in fields such as coding and engineering.
One of its major projects is Westbrook Academy, a charter middle and high school in South Los Angeles developed in partnership with the L.A. Promise Fund. The school opened a new campus in 2024, featuring modern classrooms and science laboratories, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Westbrook has also used sporting events to introduce young people to career paths they might not otherwise consider. During the NBA All-Star events in Los Angeles , his foundation partnered with workforce-development organizations to highlight opportunities in clean technology.
For Westbrook, sports can serve as a connection point, helping young fans discover possibilities beyond the court and the field.
Source: Mosi Secret, National Geographic.
