ONTARIO, CA—The Los Angeles Lakers won their pre-season rematch against the Denver Nuggets 124-115, on Sunday, October 9.

The young Lakers core looked confident from the onset, with second-year guard D’Angelo Russell leading the team on offense. The Ohio State standout managed to score 33-points (16 in the first quarter) while making an impressive 13 of 19 shot attempts and going 4-7 from the three-point range.

Russell seems to have grown tremendously since last year, and explained his new-found approach after the game. “I told myself going into this year, everything is going to have a business-like approach to it. Every weight I lift, every practice, every shot I shoot is going to have a business-like approach instead if a 19-year old kid approach to it. I know what I want to be in this league,” said Russell.

Such confidence is a welcome sign for Lakers fans, who hope Russell can make the transition from “top prospect” to “budding superstar” this year under the guidance of innovative new head coach Luke Walton.

Following a poor 2015-2016 campaign that was marred with controversy, forward Nick Young made an unexpected start at the small-forward position, as Walton elected to rest projected starter Luol Deng. Young performed well, drawing cheers from an excited Lakers crowd as he scored 14-points and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. Guard Lou Williams started at shooting guard, scoring 25 points and making 8-15 shot attempts.

The Lakers will continue their pre-season at Staples Center on Tuesday, October 11 vs. the Portland Trailblazers.