Wizards guard Russell Westbrook to open middle and high schools in South Los Angeles

Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook will play a key role in opening up both a middle school and high school in the city of Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old Westbrook, who grew up in Southern California and played collegiately at UCLA, is teaming with the L.A. Promise Fund to open the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy.

The name of the school is derived from Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation, with a press release indicating the goals of the schools:

“To create better access to educational and outdoor opportunities for children and the community at large in South L.A.,” the release stated.

Westbrook also indicated to People the reasons for his philanthropic move.

“I’ve realized through the work with my [Why Not? Foundation] how often schools in underserved communities lack the resources and funding needed to support their students,” Westbrook said.

 

“I not only want to inspire and empower these students but I want to help provide the essential and necessary resources to set them up for success beyond the classroom.”

On the court, Westbrook and the Wizards have struggled all season, with the veteran missing seven games thus far and the team holding a current record of 11-18. Westbrook’s numbers are slightly down from his peak seasons, with the guard averaging 19.9 points, 9.7 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game.

There’s no indication exactly when the schools will be opened.