It may have been just a preseason game, but Anthony Davis gave Lakers fans something to be excited about for the upcoming season. Davis showed why all the drama surrounding his leaving the New Orleans Pelicans for a Lakers jersey was worth it as he dominated the Golden State Warriors with 23 points on 9-16 shooting and 10 rebounds in 18 efficient minutes.

“He’s a monster.” Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel said after the game. “It’s going to be very difficult to slow him down with what we have around him. I’m excited about what he’s going to do. Lakers fans should be, too.”

In accumulating those 23 points, Davis showed his length and strength by dunking no fewer than 5 times in the first quarter alone with a series of put backs and alley-oops as the Lakers stormed out to a 27-9 lead and never looked back. Thanks in large part to Davis’ first quarter performance, the Lakers pulled away early and cruised to a 123-101 victory.

LeBron James added 15 points in 18 minutes and sharpshooting NBA vet Troy Daniels scored 14 points. James gave some insight into the two superstars’ relationship and why they’ll be the league’s top duo in the league.

“It’s been very good because of the relationship we had before becoming teammates,” James told the Los Angeles Times. “We’re able to be straightforward with one another and not sugarcoat anything and not take anything personal. We’re able to take constructive criticism. I can get in his ear and he can get in my ear but it’s all to make each other better and challenge each other, which will ultimately be better for the team.”

The Warriors Steph Curry also played 18 minutes and scored 18 points in his limited time on the court. Rookie Jordan Poole added 17 points in 23 minutes in his NBA preseason debut.