The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 127-101 on the road but were dealt a blow when LeBron James left the court injured in the third quarter.

With 7.51 seconds remaining on the clock, the All-Star forward sustained a groin strain, finishing the Christmas game with 17 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

Steph Curry hit back-to-back three-pointers and the Warriors got to within two points before the end of third, but the Lakers maintained control, completing the victory thanks to 19 points from Kyle Kuzma and 18 from Ivica Zubac.

James was injured halfway through the third quarter when he reached for a loose ball. He grabbed his left groin before heading to the sidelines. He moved cautiously when he left the court and headed to the locker room.

“Hopefully it is not a long thing I can get back on the floor as soon as possible,” said James.

Lakers coach Luke Walton said team doctors would examine James later.

“He will get an MRI tomorrow and we will have a better understanding of what he has got going on,” Walton said.