LeBron James' groin muscle intact; MRI set for Wednesday

Dec. 26 (UPI) -- LeBron James' groin muscle is intact and he is set for an MRI following an early exit during the Los Angeles Lakers win against the Golden State Warriors.

"King James" departed during the third quarter of the 127-101 on Tuesday at Oracle Arena in Oakland. The Lakers superstar was dribbling down the court and toward the Warriors' basket when he slipped awkwardly and fell to the floor. James was able to regain control of the ball and pass it off, but he remained on the floor while grimacing in pain.

James returned to his feet but doubled over under the basket while holding onto his groin area. He talked with the team's trainers before going to the locker room.

He said he overextended the muscle and said he has had the same injury in the past.

"I wasn't able to go back into the game, obviously. I'll get an MRI tomorrow and see what's up," James told reporters.

"With me with injuries, I'm never too concerned about them. I was able to walk off on my own power. I felt a pop, see if I could stretch it a few times, see if it would relieve but it didn't."

James has played in 156 consecutive games, including 116 straight in the regular season.

Lakers coach Luke Walton confirmed James would get the MRI on Wednesday.

"We will have a better understanding of what he has going on then," Walton said.

James scored 17 points and picked up 13 rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes before his injury. Kyle Kuzma led Los Angeles with 19 points. Andre Iguodala scored a game-high 23 points for Golden State, while Kevin Durant netted 21 points in the loss.