The Lakers have managed to keep Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash healthy thus far, two significant pieces that spent most of last season laboring in the trainer’s room. But the Lakers continue to see their supporting cast seemingly dwindling by the day.

The latest involves Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, who is expected to stay sidelined for at least a week after being diagnosed Friday morning with a moderate strain in his left calf muscle. This timetable would keep Clarkson out for the Lakers’ preseason games on Sunday against Golden State in Ontario and on Thursday against the Utah Jazz in Anaheim.

Clarkson left late in the second quarter of the Lakers’ eventual 120-105 loss Thursday to Golden State at Staples Center. The Lakers have become encouraged about Clarkson after drafting him with the 46th overall pick. He is expected to play a large reserve role both at the point and shooting guard spots, though Lakers coach Byron Scott recently said Clarkson could improve his shot selection. Clarkson has averaged 10.5 points albeit on 25 percent shooting through two preseason games.

The Lakers are already thin at the small forward position with injuries to Nick Young (surgically repaired right thumb), Ryan Kelly (strained left hamstring) and Xavier Henry (back spasms). The Lakers also rested Steve Nash on Thursday against Golden State and hope to rest Kobe Bryant at some point during the preseason.

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