Wizards' Russell Westbrook opening middle school, high school in Los Angeles

Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook is giving back to the community in his hometown of Los Angeles. 

The 32-year-old has partnered with the L.A. Promise Fund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy, which created a middle school and high school in South L.A., according to People's Jen Juneau and Lindsay Kimble.

"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."

Westbrook and business partner Donnell Beverly will sit on the school board. Westbrook's wife will also be involved in the project.

The nine-time All-Star joins LeBron James and a few others in opening a school. James opened the I PROMISE school in Akron, Ohio in 2018. Hall of Famer David Robinson founded Carver Academy in Texas in 2001, and Jalen Rose founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit.