Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams leaves court after losing hearing in right ear during win over Los Angeles Lakers

Thunder centre Steven Adams was forced to leave the court after telling team trainers he couldn't hear during their 119-103 win over the Lakers.

The Kiwi NBA star was accidentally elbowed in the head by Moritz Wagner as the two big men battled for a rebound during the second quarter of the game.

Adams, who was seen snapping his fingers in his right ear, stayed on to take the free throws after the foul but left the court immediately after to receive medical treatment.

He did, however, return in the second half finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.

But the story of the night belonged to Adams' teammate Russell Westbrook, who recorded a historic triple double.

Westbrook became the second player in league history to have 20 or more points, rebounds and assists in a game, finishing with 20 points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists. (Wilt Chamberlain was the only other player to accomplish the feat.)

After the game, Westbrook dedicated the win to late rapper Nipsey Hussle. The musician, like Westbrook a Los Angeles product, was shot and killed on Monday in Los Angeles.

"I'm not going to try to put it into words but like I said on the floor, that's who it's for," Westbrook said after the game. "I'm going to leave it at that."