Blessed to make it to the NBA, Russell Westbrook never forgets to give back to society. His contributions include setting up the “Why Not?” Foundation in 2012, an initiative that encouraged the youth not to shy away from their ambitions and empowered them.
Through the years, we’ve witnessed a compassionate and charitable side of Westbrook – going great lengths to help those in need or rewarding the frontline workers. The 2020 Orlando Bubble was another example, which reportedly included Russ tipping the hotel staff $8,000.
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“They took great care of us. Took the time and energy to do their job at a high level. That was the right thing. I like to do the right thing,” stated Westbrook.
A delight to have as a guest, Westbrook has long been known to be a neat freak, leaving hotel rooms in nearly the same perfect condition as they were when he first arrived. However, he went the extra mile with the Grand Floridian hotel in Orlando. Russell indulged in a very generous tip to the housekeeping workers, who ensured he stayed safe amid a global pandemic.
The 2020 Orlando Bubble
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly brought the world to a standstill, with many industries suspending operations indefinitely. The NBA was no different, having to hit the pause button on March 11th, 2020, before resuming in Bubble format.
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Commissioner Adam Silver created a biosecure environment in Walt Disney World to bring the 2019-20 season to its conclusion. Hoping to resume the season on July 30th, the Commissioner invited 22 of the 30 teams that had already secured a playoff spot or were still in the race.
The Bubble followed strict protocols, which involved frequent testing, quarantining and practicing social distancing. Players primarily shuffled between their hotel rooms and practice facilities. The three-month assignment proved to be a success, with no players testing positive. The 2019-20 season finally had a winner, with the Los Angeles Lakers crowned champions.
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Although the Bubble format drew several polarizing reactions, Commissioner Silver deserves props for protecting the NBA product and prioritizing the well-being of all parties involved.
Continuous philanthropic efforts
Westbrook has been an active participant in various awareness drives and initiatives, consistently seeking opportunities to give back to the community. Under his “Why Not?” Foundation, Russ established the Westbrook Academy, which provides education to children in grades 6 through 12.
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He also started with “The Little Kitchen Academy”, helping underprivileged children realize their culinary dreams. A L.A. native, Westbrook is actively involved in the wildfire relief and rebuilding programs — regularly supplying the daily essentials and grants to those in need.
His other educational initiatives include providing quality education to girls through STEAM kits and supplying them with the necessary resources for skills such as coding, circuitry, and engineering. Westbrook’s efforts also extend to the fields of conservation and technology.
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A great ambassador for the game, Russ has set an excellent precedent for youth, both on and off the court. The veteran NBA superstar has consistently demonstrated a persevering attitude, leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to give his best in every endeavor.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.