LeBron James likely has some Christmas regrets.

The Clippers looked more comfortable than their Los Angeles counterparts closing down the stretch of their 111-106 win over the Lakers. A curious decision by James in the final seconds dealt the final blow in the NBA’s marquee matchup of the day.

Trailing by three, the Lakers had possession with 19.2 seconds left. Instead of opting for a quick two-pointer to extend the game, James instead was content to spend the closing seconds on the perimeter. He called for a screen and got the matchup with Patrick Beverley he wanted, seemingly preferring a game-tying three. James let the clock run down, side-stepped, and attempted a three, but Beverly managed to poke the ball out of bounds during James’ shooting motion with 3.6 seconds remaining.

After review, it was ruled the ball went off James last. Paul George iced the game moments later with two free throws.

“I was surprised by the overturn,” James told reporters after the game. “I didn’t feel like the ball went off my hand. But that’s the way it went.”

The turnover was just the last of a night full of Beverley-induced frustrations for James.

A first-quarter collision between the two caused James to aggravate a nagging groin injury, which could potentially keep him sidelined for the near future.

“I felt healthy going into the game,” James said. “I got kneed in the groin taking a charge from Pat Bev, and it kind of set me right back to where I was five days ago.”

James endured one of his worst starts to a game in his career, missing his first seven shots from the field. His worst ever start to an NBA game came in 2005 when he missed his first eight.

The groin injury clearly affected James, as he finished with 23 points on 9-for-24 shooting. 10 of his 15 misses were from behind the arc – the most threes he has ever missed in a game throughout his 17-year career. The Lakers star did not drive to the lane nearly as much as he usually does, and attempted just four foul shots as a result.

The Lakers have two days off before a tough back-to-back at Portland on Saturday before coming back home to play the Mavericks on Sunday. Los Angeles has listed James, who has rejected the idea of load management this season, as day-to-day.

“To be honest, I haven’t even thought about Portland just yet,” James said. “I’m always around the clock with my body, getting my treatment. If I’m feeling great, I’ll be in the lineup. If I’m feeling well, I’ll be in the lineup.”

Last Christmas, James and the Lakers’ season was derailed when the 35-year-old suffered a torn left groin in a 128-104 loss to the Nuggets. This year’s injury is on the right side and not nearly as severe, but the Lakers will likely be cautious with a 2.5-game lead in the West.

If James celebrates Frank Costanza’s Festivus tradition, he’ll likely have Beverley at the top of his airing of grievances.