LeBron James walked gingerly off the court in the third quarter Tuesday with a strained left groin, the Los Angeles Lakers announced.
James officially was listed as questionable to return for the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors. However, video showed him wincing near the bench and telling trainers "I felt a pop" regarding the injury.
The veteran forward was injured as he dribbled toward the basket and slipped. His right leg swung underneath him as he lost his footing, putting pressure on his left leg and groin as he reached forward to try to maintain possession of the ball.
Los Angeles led 71-57 when James went down. James draped a towel over his shoulders before he exited the court with the team's medical staff.
The 33-year-old entered Tuesday averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game in his first season with the Lakers. He has appeared in all 34 games this season and did not miss a game last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.