Former Lakers guard, MVP could soon announce retirement from NBA at age 36

NBA offseasons aren’t all about trades and free agency signings. 

There’ll always be aging assets who must consider walking away from basketball after lengthy professional careers.

A former Los Angeles Lakers guard and NBA MVP (as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder) hasn’t announced his retirement yet, but recent developments make it logical to state that his time in the league could come to an end soon. 

Russell Westbrook spent the 2024-25 campaign with the Denver Nuggets following a career-low 11.1 points per game showing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Westbrook’s role with the Nuggets wasn’t dynamic, but as a pivotal reserve, the UCLA product helped lead the organization’s second unit at age 36. 

Westbrook, who played alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles for 1.5 seasons, averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game in Year 17, shooting 44.9% from the field on a Nuggets squad that advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Shortly after Denver’s season-ending loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in round No. 2, the nine-time All-Star declined his $7.9 million player option for 2025-26, allowing him to enter free agency. 

The New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings were reportedly interested in signing Westbrook this summer. 

However, with New York opting to acquire a different backcourt energizer bunny (Jordan Clarkson) and Sacramento ‘unlikely’ to bring Westbrook onboard due to their inability to trade Malik Monk, there aren’t many options left for the two-time scoring champion.

With Westbrook accumulating jaw-dropping accolades through his career and solidifying himself as a future Hall of Fame guard years ago, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to exit the NBA in his late 30s.

It’ll be interesting to see what the former lottery pick decides to do in the offseason.

More NBA: Lakers agree to record-breaking seven-team trade after blockbuster Luka Doncic deal