NBA news - Groin strain forces early exit for LeBron James

James officially was listed as questionable to return for the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors. However, footage showed him wincing near the bench and telling trainers "I felt a pop" regarding the injury.

Reports from the Los Angeles Times' Tania Ganguli and others indicated that James' injury was not considered to be serious and could have been much worse.

Ganguli tweeted that "James' strain seems minor and initial examinations seem to indicate he'll be fine. He will have an MRI soon just to make sure."

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 and then 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.

The Lakers face the Sacramento Kings in their next game, on Friday.