The official NBA account has recirculated a heartwarming 2024 video of a dedicated Taiwanese fan to mark Russell Westbrook’s retirement after 18 seasons. The video has been going viral online.
Watch Taiwanese supporter’s epic journey spotlighted as NBA legend Russell Westbrook retires
In late February 2024, the unidentified supporter flew roughly 6,860 miles from Taiwan to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for a Clippers-Lakers matchup. He arrived layered in multiple Russell Westbrook jerseys; reports put the total at around 15, representing the star’s stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards and Clippers.
On camera, he peeled them off one by one while holding a handmade sign declaring the distance travelled to see his “GOAT.” Notably absent was a Lakers jersey from Westbrook’s difficult spell in purple and gold, a detail that drew praise online as the mark of a true fan.
Westbrook, the 2017 MVP and all-time NBA leader in triple-doubles, announced his retirement on 12 August 2026 following a final season with the Sacramento Kings. The nine-time All-Star finished his career with more than 27,000 points and 10,000 assists.
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