There is one thing different about Los Angeles Lakers rising star Kyle Kuzma heading into the 2018-19 NBA season: his confidence.

Kuzma, who had a terrific rookie campaign with the Lakers in 2017-18, admitted to Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints that he was nervous last year on opening night. However, it's different for him this year, citing that surviving the rigorous 82-game NBA season prepared him well and made him “more confident.”

Kuzma was considered the biggest steal of the 2017 NBA draft. Selected 27th overall, the 23-year-old forward exceeded the billing of a late lottery selection, en route to becoming a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

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He was one of the Lakers' leading scorers last year, alongside Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, notching 16.1 points per game. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 77 games (37 starts) for the Purple and Gold.

It's interesting to note, however, that Kuzma was anxious in their opening game last year. He did make just eight points in their opener against the L.A. Clippers back then, though he quickly made up for it and scored 15 and 20 points in the next two games.

Fortunately for the Lakers, they can now expect Kyle Kuzma to contribute immediately and in the long run. He is slated to come off the bench against the Portland Trail Blazers this Thursday, but coach Luke Walton is also expected to start him in other games as part of a small-ball lineup.