Challenges Faced by Russell Westbrook: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Russell Westbrook faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Russell Westbrook III is a professional basketball player renowned for his explosiveness and intensity. An NBA All-Star nine times, he was named MVP in 2017. He's a nine-time All-NBA Team member, two-time scoring leader, three-time assists leader, and two-time All-Star Game MVP. Westbrook is one of three players to average a triple-double for a season, achieving it four times. He holds the NBA record for career triple-doubles and most career rebounds by a guard. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place among basketball's elite.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 2004: Death of Khelcey Barrs III

In May 2004, Khelcey Barrs III, Russell Westbrook's best friend, died from an enlarged heart during a pick-up game. This event significantly impacted Westbrook's determination to excel.

2007: UCLA Lost to Florida in Final Four

In 2007, UCLA, with Westbrook on the team, advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament but lost to eventual national champion Florida with a score of 76–66.

2008: UCLA Lost to Memphis in Final Four

In 2008, UCLA, with Westbrook on the team, advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament but lost to Memphis with a score of 78–63.

2011: 2011-12 Season Start

Due to the lockout, the 2011–12 NBA season started on Christmas Day.

2012: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2012, as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook appeared in the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat.

April 25, 2013: Right Knee Injury

On April 25, 2013, during a playoff game against the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook injured his right knee after a collision with Patrick Beverley, resulting in a slight tear in his right meniscus.

April 27, 2013: Knee Surgery

On April 27, 2013, Russell Westbrook underwent surgery to repair the slight tear in his right meniscus and was declared out for the remainder of the playoffs.

2013: Westbrook tears right meniscus

In 2013, Russell Westbrook tore his right meniscus.

2013: Second surgery on his right knee

Prior to the start of the 2013–14 season, Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, which set back his return to basketball.

2014: Team Missed Playoffs

In 2014, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished ninth in the West with a 45–37 record and missed the playoffs.

2014: Fractured Metacarpal

In the 2014-15 season, after scoring 38 points in the opener, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand during the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers and missed 14 games.

2017: NBA rule change affected free throws

In 2017, an NBA rule change was implemented before the 2017–18 season to reduce wasted time, the rule stipulated that the free throw shooter may not walk back beyond the three-point line in between free throws, which decreased Russell Westbrook's free throw percentage.

September 2018: Westbrook underwent a procedure on his right knee

In September 2018, Russell Westbrook underwent a procedure to deal with inflammation in his right knee, causing him to miss the preseason and the first two regular season games of the 2018–2019 season.

April 5, 2022: Lakers eliminated from playoff contention

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating the team from obtaining a playoff berth. It was the first time since 2015 that Westbrook missed the playoffs.

April 26, 2024: Westbrook Ejected from Game

On April 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington during Game Three of the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, which resulted in a 101–90 loss.

January 2025: Westbrook's career statistics

As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook has averaged 30.5% on three-point field goal attempts and 3.9 turnovers per game during his career.

January 2025: Westbrook's Free Throw Percentage

As of January 2025, Russell Westbrook's free throw percentage dropped from 82.3% for the nine years prior to the rule change, to 68.5% for the 7 1/2 years since the 2017-18 NBA season when a rule was implemented to reduce wasted time, stipulating that the free throw shooter may not walk back beyond the three-point line in between free throws.