In view of a rather quiet market for him in free agency, nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook has reportedly decided to retire. This comes as the former league Most Valuable Player wrapped up his 18th year as a pro for the Kings this past season. Not long after, his close buddy and new Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James sent out a quick five-word message that delivers a strong reminder of how the newly retired star is headed to the Hall of Fame next.
LeBron showed love to Russ after he announced he was retiring ❤️🙏
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 12, 2026
(via kingjames/IG) pic.twitter.com/iLceqgfAG1
Aside from Team USA duties in the past, James shared the court with Westbrook during the 2021-22 season and half of the 2022-23 campaign for the Lakers. While that stint was infamous for Los Angeles not even making it to the playoffs and for Russ struggling immensely in his new role, it does not change the fact that the two have a close bond that also stems from their fierce battles over the years, most prominently during the 2012 NBA Finals.
LeBron delivers a much-needed reminder to fans after Russell Westbrook retires
It is definitely nice to see LeBron quietly remind people that Westbrook is going to be a Hall of Famer, a first-ballot candidate at that. Sure, the former MVP may have seen his career take a sharp decline in recent years, but that does not even come close to negating his body of work, one that made him a near-untouchable in the history books.
Westbrook, who made nine All-Star squads and nine All-NBA teams, won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2012, clinched the MVP award in 2017, and was made part of the NBA's 7th Anniversary Team, should easily make it to the Hall of Fame without any question.
The triple-double king indeed slowed down in recent years. Last season, he played for his sixth different team in seven years, although he actually turned in respectable numbers for Sacramento despite his team's immense struggles on the hardwood. Still, he was a good leader for the Kings on and off the court.
Westbrook reportedly received some offers shortly before he decided to hang his sneakers up, which goes to show just how valued he still is, at least as a veteran presence. Now that he is headed to retirement, people should be more appreciative of his iconic career defined by winning, making history, and putting himself on the highlight reel.
And if there is one person who knows Westbrook's impact the best, it is LeBron. As someone who is nearing retirement himself, it is certainly nice to see James give the misunderstood star his flowers.
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