Thunder In the news: Westbrook weekend features JLo concert and 2nd NBPA award

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks to the media during a press conference after Game Five against the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks to the media during a press conference after Game Five against the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Despite the OKC Thunder being in the offseason Russell Westbrook remains active and featured prominently in the news this weekend.

As the NBA Finals rages on the OKC Thunder continue their offseason with the team still eliciting ample attention. Russell Westbrook was front and center this weekend with his off court activities and winning some more awards to add to his collection.

Russell Westbrook celebrity crew:

This weekend a post on instagram via none other than Jennifer Lopez showed the actress hanging out with Alex Pall, Rhett Bixler, Alex Rodriguez (ARod) and Russell Westbrook.

Alex Pall and Rhett Bixler are members of The Chainsmokers, two DJ’s who are part of a production duo.

The Brodie is often seen with his wife Nina at various concerts and this was yet another example of him enjoying himself socially.. On Rodriquez instagram he posted a video of JLo performing, but if you keep it running you’ll see Russ having a blast dancing (or jumping) to the music.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjhMGo1gY1a/?hl=en&taken-by=arod

Based on Lopez’s concert details this show probably took place at the Axis which is a venue at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Westbrook wins more NBPA Awards:

The National Basketball Players Association is handing out their yearly awards. Recently TI noted Westbrook and Nick Collison were winners. Westbrook won The Freshest Award for his off court style. Collison won the Backbone Award as voted by his teammates.

The new award Westbrook nabbed was Best Side Hustler. This award is given to the player who has the best business ventures off the court. The Players Voice Awards are all outlined on their website.

"Whether it’s a new venture or investment, this player has mastered the art of hustling off the court."

https://twitter.com/purehoop/status/1002665467813613568

Competition to win the award was Chris Paul, LeBron James and his old teammate Kevin Durant. Chris Paul’s sponsorship deal and commercials for insurance agent State Farm made him a viable candidate. LeBron James multiple commercials ad sponsorships made him a logical winner too.

Yet, it’s not surprising Westbrook won given his shoe deal with Jordan brand, copious sponsorship with companies like Mountain Dew and his clothing line Honor The Gift.

Obviously the players agree.

In other news Bleacher Report’s Alec Nathan threw a little shade Russ’ way by awarding him the Most Polite Player Award via their “Sauce Awards”. it’s no secret to OKC Thunder fans, Westbrook isn’t a fan of doing press and he often doesn’t mask his disenchantment.

Next: Westgate gives OKC Thunder 60 to 1 odds to win 2019 NBA Title

That’s it for today, check back tomorrow to see what Steven Adams has been up to – in the news.