NBA: Russell Westbrook opens new clothing line — Westbrook-XO-Barneys New York

New York • Go shopping with powerhouse basketball player Russell Westbrook — whose colorful style has made headlines outside of sports — and you'll probably be surprised by his favorite section: the sale rack.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star player roams around Barneys New York Inc. on Madison Avenue, and when I suggest a fitted dark blue leather jacket, the point guard reacts: "No, 'cause I know it costs like $3,000."

Westbrook, 25, says he's not going to buy the most expensive clothes just because he can afford it. "I may look at it, see how much it costs and then decide if I'm going to get it or not."

The Long Beach, California-born athlete said he did think about price points when collaborating with Barneys for his new line, Westbrook-XO-Barneys New York. It launched in stores and online Thursday, and includes pieces from Jordan, Marcelo Burlon County of Milan, Naked & Famous, Want Les Essentiels de la Vie and more.

It's no surprise that fashion houses want to cash in on the Westbrook brand. His style has made noise, from his polka dots to colored rimmed glasses to knee-high fitted pants. On Wednesday at the ESPY Awards, where Westbrook was named best comeback athlete after returning from three knee operations in a year, host Drake imitated the athlete by wearing a yellow vest, bowtie and green pants.

Does he consider himself the most stylish guy in the NBA?

"I just feel like I have my own style," he said with a laugh.

The Associated Press