Russell Westbrook's Wife Also Played Basketball before Her Career in Psychology: Meet Nina Westbrook

Nina Earl shares the same love for basketball as her husband, Russell Westbrook. However, she pursued a career as a therapist and only enjoys the game as a hobby nowadays.

Russell Westbrook dedicated most of his life to basketball, with his number one support system, Nina Earl, behind his back. After years of hard work, coupled with natural talent and skill, he became one of the world's highest-paid basketball players.

In 2021, Westbrook was traded with the Washington Wizards. However, he used his $47.1 million option to return to his beloved team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA superstar's fame and fortune afforded him a life of comfort and luxury, which he shares with his family, including the love of his life, his wife, Nina Earl.

Nina Earl Was a Basketball Player in College, and Now She's Developing in a Different Direction

Besides their unconditional love for each other, Westbrook and Earl share the same passion for basketball. Born on January 16, 1989, Nina Ann-Marie Earl was also an athlete, playing basketball during her college years.

One of her milestones as an athlete was winning the 2006 CIF 3AA Championship. While she still plays basketball as a hobby today, Earl has pursued a different career, leaving the court life to her husband.

Earl is a licensed marriage and family therapist and keynote speaker, sharing her thoughts on relationships, family, mental health, business, and female entrepreneurship. She has been highlighted by several outlets, including the New York Times, TED, and Good Housekeeping, among others. She said:

"Cultivating mental wellness is a commitment. It's choosing to make time to nurture mental well-being, and it's an ongoing progress. Don't shy away from the challenge because the upside is considerable."

Earl is also a business owner, founding Nimi Brook Look, a kids' clothing brand, and Bene x Nina, a digital health and wellness community. She has a vast social media reach with over 305,000 Instagram followers.

Nina Earl and Russell Westbrook Met through Basketball

Basketball brought Earl and Westbrook together after playing for UCLA's basketball teams. The duo would play one-on-one on the court until they eventually fell in love.

Russell Westbrook may be aggressive on the court, but he is gentle, fun, and loving with his kids.

In 2015, Earl married the man of her dreams and had several athletes in attendance, including Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and Kevin Love, among others. The outdoor wedding ceremony was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Russell Westbrook Proposed to Nina Earl with a $700,000 Ring

Westbrook spared no expense for his future bride and proposed with a $700,000 engagement ring. The elongated cushion cut ring was absolutely gorgeous with VVS clarity.

It came as no surprise that their wedding was just as glamorous, with Earl donning two gowns – by Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier.

Russell Westbrook Is a Very Responsible Father

Russell Westbrook may be aggressive on the court, but he is gentle, fun, and loving with his kids. He and Earl are parents to three kids, a son, Noah, and twins, Skye and Jordan.

According to Earl, her husband wakes up early and stays up late to be with his children. He enjoys bonding and dancing with his kids, especially when time permits. The NBA star said:

"Being a dad is more important for me than anything else. Family is always the most important thing for me, and regardless of what I do, how I do it."

As a busy man, he tries to curate his schedule in a way that gives him time to be with his kids so as not to miss them growing up. Undoubtedly, Westbrook is doing his best to be a hands-on father.