'20-20-20': Russell Westbrook's slice of NBA history

Oklahoma Thunder’s Russell Westbrook has become the first man in 51 years to record a 20-20-20 line in the NBA.

Westbrook recorded 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists as the Thunder comfortably defeated a LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers 119 – 103.

He also became the second player in NBA history to record a 20-20-20 line, after legend Wilt Chamberlain.

Westbrook dedicates game to Nipsey Hussle

Westbrook dedicated his performance to late rapper Nipsey Hussle, who died Sunday at 33 after being gunned down in Los Angeles.

“That wasn’t for me,” Westbrook told TNT after the game. “That was for my bro. That’s for Nipsey — 20 plus 20 plus 20.”

Westbrook’s dedication echoed his in-game sentiment for Nipsey when he secured his 20th rebound in the game’s final minute.

Westbrook, like Nipsey, grew up in Los Angeles and knew the late rapper.

“Somebody I looked up to, somebody that paved the way for a guy like myself growing up in the inner city,” Westbrook told TNT. “To have those conversations with him. I’m just truly saddened by the situation, just continue to pray for his family.”

Westbrook’s big game arrived a key moment for the Thunder, who have struggled of late as they jockey for playoff positioning. Oklahoma City had gone 3-7 in its previous 10 games entering Tuesday and fallen to the bottom of the tightly packed Western Conference playoff race.

The Thunder will next face the Pistons on Saturday.

With Yahoo Sport USA / Jason Owens