ONTARIO – Thankfully for the Lakers, these games don’t count. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they are already dealing with a issue that plagued them in past seasons.

Injuries. Lots of them.

Lakers guard Jeremy Lin will sit out of the Lakers’ preseason game tonight against the Golden State Warriors at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario a day after spraining his left ankle in Saturday’s practice.

Although Lakers coach Byron Scott described Lin as “walking gingerly,” he could be seen walking in an arena hallway pretty slowly. Lin joins a heavy cast of players already sidelined, including Jordan Clarkson (left calf muscle), Nick Young (right thumb), Ryan Kelly (left hamstring) and Xavier Henry (back spasms). But the Lakers arent’ completely devastated. After all, both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash will suit up against the Warriors.

“In early exhibition season, you want to see as many guys as you can,” Scott said. “I’m not really worried about it. But unfortunately for Jeremy and unfortunately for Nick, it gives other guys an opportunity. I really don’t look at this as unfortunate unless it lasts longer.”

The absence of both Lin and Clarkson will likely result in extended minutes for NBA veteran guard Ronnie Price. Although Nash will play after resting on Thursday against Golden State, it seems unlikely he will play beyond his low 20-minute range because of the Lakers’ ongoing efforts to preserve their 40-year-old point guard.

Lin has impressed the Lakers with his playmaking and quick improvement. After shooting 0-of-6 in the Lakers’ preseason win last week to Denver, Lin followed up with a 14-point performance on 4-of-4 shooting against the Warriors. He has also averaged seven assists through two exhibition games.

“I’m very encouraged,” Scott said. “He attacked the basket like we know he can and made some shots. HE passed the ball well and ran the offense well. I was very happy.”

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com