After becoming the second-ever NBA player to post a 20-20-20 game, Russell Westbrook dedicates the night to late rapper Nipsey Hussle. (1:38)

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook sat alone on the Thunder bench some 15 minutes before tipoff Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, with a basketball between his legs, singing and dancing along to Nipsey Hussle's "Grindin' All My Life," intent on playing a game to honor the recently slain rapper.

After he recorded the second 20-20-20 game in NBA history -- posting 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists -- Westbrook walked off the floor following a 119-103 win with a heavy heart, having dedicated the performance to his friend.

"That's for Nipsey!" Westbrook yelled as he slapped his chest.

Westbrook, who grew up in Los Angeles, where Nipsey Hussle was a cultural staple, wore a blue shirt that said Crenshaw on it, a nod to a Nipsey Hussle mixtape.

Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed Sunday outside his clothing store in Los Angeles.

"Grateful to play the game, but that wasn't for me, man. That was for my bro, man. That was for Nipsey," Westbrook said on the TNT broadcast on the court after the game. "Rest in peace to Nipsey, man. I'm just thankful to go out there and compete at a high level, man. Thankful to have these teammates. Thankful and humbled to go out there and play the game I love."

It was an awkward situation for Westbrook to grab the final two rebounds needed, though. He waved off a substitution by coach Billy Donovan with 1:04 left and the Thunder up by 16. With OKC center Steven Adams at the free throw line, Donovan emptied his bench, but Westbrook wanted to stay in the game for the final minute. A confused Hamidou Diallo initially walked onto the floor, then had to walk back off.