Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons, ending a career defined by intense, high-energy play and a distinctive competitive style. The 37-year-old revealed the decision in a farewell video posted on X, signalling the end of one of modern basketball’s most memorable careers.

The announcement was made on Wednesday and featured narration from actor Michael B. Jordan. Westbrook accompanied the video with a reflective caption beginning, “Sometimes you don't even know when you've already…”, while the article characterises his playing career as driven by anger and physicality.