Sacramento Kings Guard Pays Touching Tribute to Russell Westbrook After Retirement Announcement
Russell Westbrook caught everybody unexpectedly when he introduced his retirement from the NBA after suiting up for the Sacramento Kings, who completed 22-60 final season.
During a current New Balance occasion in Boston, Zach LaVine paid tribute to Westbrook in an unique interview with ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly. There, he mirrored on having the one-time league MVP as a teammate with the Sacramento Kings.
Feb 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) appears in direction of the group earlier than the beginning of the sport in opposition to the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“I imply, Russ is likely one of the finest people I’ve met. The dude has an power such as you’ve by no means seen earlier than, and I performed in opposition to him. I got here to the league in 2014, a pair years later, I feel he gained MVP. It was hell making an attempt to protect him after I was youthful, particularly after I was 19, 20 years previous, and he is going straight downhill at you,” LaVine stated.
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“We’ve had loads of conversations, and we have labored out collectively and performed. But Russ is considered one of my good mates. My hat’s off to him for a hell of a profession. He had much more to provide to basketball too. He might have stored enjoying, however I’m glad that he walked away on his personal phrases as a result of not all people will get to do this,” he ended.
Apr 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) indicators autographs for followers earlier than a sport in opposition to the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Sacramento Kings News: Zach LaVine appears forward to the 2026-27 NBA season
In the identical interview, Zach LaVine mentioned he’ll be enjoying with a chip on his shoulder this upcoming season. He vowed to profit from his time with the Sacramento Kings, even when it means ultimately taking a again seat to make method for the younger guys.
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“I had somewhat hand damage, however yearly for me, I am going into the offseason, I see what I can do higher. I see how I can attempt to assist the crew and what function or what space I’m gonna be becoming in,” LaVine explained. “Obviously, they’ll put you in a job that is finest case for you. But I’m tremendous excited.”
“It’s unlucky that I had the damage final 12 months, even within the season we had, we began off very properly. I began off properly. But for requirements for myself, I’ve them extraordinarily excessive, so I’m trying ahead to this 12 months,” he continued.
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