Russel Westbrook Takes The Cover Of NBA Live 16

Today EA Sports announced that Russel Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder was their cover athlete for NBA Live 16. Since the series returned back to consoles in the Fall of 2013, NBA Live has featured a top ranked Point Guard on the cover. The 2014 cover featured Kyrie Irving while the 2015 cover featured Damian Lillard. Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players in the league, he’s a four-time All-Star, won the 2015 All-Star game MVP and he recorded 11 Triple-Doubles this season (7 more than the next closest player). With those stats, there’s no wonder why this guy has made the cover.

“Russell Westbrook is a player who can do it all, and we can’t imagine a better fit for the cover of NBA LIVE 16,” said EA SPORTS VP of Marketing Anthony Stevenson. “NBA LIVE 16 is all about self-expression, and who better embodies that than Westbrook, both on and off the court? Russell plays every game like he has something to prove. Our team is building NBA LIVE the exact same way, so we’re thrilled to have him as an ambassador for our game.”

Strong words from Anthony Stevenson as NBA Live has been fighting its way back into gamer’s hearts over the past few years. Live 14 was not the worst game by any means but it could not hold a candle to it competition NBA 2K14 at the time. Live 15 took some steps in the right direction by adding nicer visuals and animations that game more control to the players but the game lacked game modes and features that allowed for a complete experience. Live 16 is looking to  bounce back this year with a few of these features:

• LIVE IS ALL ABOUT YOU
  The ultimate form of self-expression where everything you do matters – both on and off the court.
• LIVEMOTION
  Free your game with our physics-based player movement system – giving you unparalleled control and best-in-class animation.
• LIVE CONNECTED
  The freshest way to play ball. Ultimate Team, Dynasty, Big Moment Challenges and more are back and better than ever.
• DISCOVER HOW TO RISE TOGETHER THIS SUMMER
  A new way to experience NBA LIVE…

EA SPORTS will announce the first gameplay details of NBA LIVE 16 next week at E3, and fans are encouraged to tune into the official EA press briefing on Monday, June 15 at 1:00pm PT for live announcements regarding this year’s game. Show attendees will also be able to stop by the EA booth to get their hands on NBA LIVE 16 for themselves for the very first time. Take a look at these screen shots below and let us know if you will give NBA Live 16 a try this year.