The future Hall of Fame guards, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul may don different uniforms throughout the NBA season, but the offseason is their domain to strengthen their relationship. The two friends often unite for training and last week, the basketball community spotted a fresh face with them in the lab. Lakers newbie, Dalton Knecht was sharpening his skills, sharing the wisdom of the vets. Despite belonging to different positions, their wealth of knowledge could help the former North Dakota forward to make it big in his first season. But all work and no play isn’t the rule Westbrook and CP3 abide by. Before starting the upcoming season with their new teams, the point guards came together to display their talents on the poker table in Las Vegas for a noble cause.

On Friday night, Westbrook and CP3 shared the table at Intrigue Nightclub, a fancy club in Las Vegas to play poker. The game wasn’t played for their entertainment purposes. Instead, it was organized to generate funds for Westbrook’s “Why Not? Foundation”. His Foundation joined hands with the World Poker Tour (WPT) Foundation to work on the same goal. To enter the tournament one has to donate $7,500, which includes additional perks like access to parties and exclusive rights to a seat at the table. Paul donated generously to help the organizations collect a handsome amount “to elevate the underserved populations of South Los Angeles,” as stated by WPT CEO Adam Pliska, according to Poker News.

Established in 2012, Westbrook’s Foundation aims at empowering underprivileged communities through education, training and providing mental health resources. The question “Why Not?” highlights their never give up attitude. Besides sharing scenes from the thrilling night with his 22.9 million IG followers, Westbrook spilled a lot of beans regarding his poker talent.

Russell Westbrook discloses his favorite poker player in the NBA

In one of the posts shared by the Foundation’s official IG page, Westbrook mentioned that his poker game improved over time. “I’ve learned and got a little bit better year after year, and I’m not tight. I can tell you that,” the 35-year-old added with a giggle before appearing for the charity event.

Many NBA stars have expressed their passion for the game, from Michael Jordan to Luka Doncic, but Westbrook considers his former OKC and Lakers teammate as the best poker player in the NBA. When the interviewer was keen to know the name, the former Laker said, “Actually, I had a chance to play with Dennis Schroder. Dennis played with me when I was in Oklahoma City, and we had a chance to play some cards, and he had a good knowledge of the game.” But who knows, after playing with Chris Paul, Westbrook’s opinion might change.

For now, the Denver Nuggets fans would look forward to how Westbrook fits in the team with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. With controversies following him everywhere he goes, the Denver stint can provide him with a clean break and push his side closer to the championship.