Russell Westbrook’s Family, Children, Relationships, and Friends: All the Essential Facts
Russell Westbrook is known for his speed on the court and loyalty to his family and friends. Westbrook values relationships, once stating, “My family is the reason why I play the way I do.” His strong bonds with family and friends have always played a big role in his career and life.
Family Life and Background
Russell Westbrook was born in 1988 in Long Beach, California. His parents are Russell Westbrook Sr. and Shannon Horton. He has a younger brother named Raynard. Westbrook grew up with a close-knit family that provided a supportive environment for him and his brother.
Sports were a key part of Westbrook’s upbringing. His father encouraged him to play basketball from an early age. Shannon, his mother, was also very involved in his life. Raynard followed in his footsteps, playing college football.
Westbrook attended Leuzinger High School, where he excelled in basketball. Later, he went to UCLA, shaping his athletic and personal growth. Family support was a constant in these early years.
He married Nina Earl on August 29, 2015. They met as student-athletes at UCLA around 2007 and built a relationship based on mutual interests and respect. Nina was also a basketball player at UCLA.
Together, Russell and Nina have three children. Their first child, Noah, was born in 2017. In 2018, Nina gave birth to twin daughters, Jordyn and Skye. All three children are biological. Nina Earl now works as a businesswoman and licensed therapist.
Name | Relation | Birth Year |
---|---|---|
Russell Westbrook Sr. | Father | Unknown |
Shannon Horton | Mother | Unknown |
Raynard Westbrook | Brother | 1991 |
Nina Earl | Wife | 1989 |
Noah Westbrook | Son | 2017 |
Jordyn Westbrook | Daughter | 2018 |
Skye Westbrook | Daughter | 2018 |
Friends in Basketball and Beyond
Westbrook’s career connected him with many in the basketball world, but only a few became close friends. Kevin Durant was both a teammate and a close friend for years. They first met as rookies with the Seattle SuperSonics, then played side-by-side for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Their friendship started with a shared ambition and an evolving respect on and off the court. Although they went separate ways after Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors, they have often spoken of the positive impact of their years together.
Another friend is James Harden. They spent three seasons together in Oklahoma City before Harden was traded. Their friendship has lasted through tough playoff battles and trades. Harden has spoken about his respect and fondness for Westbrook.
Paul George also became a friend during their time as teammates on the Thunder. George and Westbrook supported each other, forming a solid bond through competition and family events.
Name | Known Since | Profession |
---|---|---|
Kevin Durant | 2008 | Basketball player |
James Harden | 2009 | Basketball player |
Paul George | 2017 | Basketball player |