"Every time I go up a level, from high school to college (and now to the NBA), I always get a trial period that I get used to the game," Lawson said.

Despite being drafted No. 18 in the first round, Nuggets coach George Karl believes Lawson eventually will become the best point guard in his draft.

"I totally agree with him," said Lawson, who signed a contract that will pay him $1.44 million next season and $1.55 million in 2010-11 before the Nuggets have team options for two years after that. "I thought I was one of the best point guards coming out anyway."

--The Nuggets will play Indiana in a second preseason game in the Far East.

After it previously was announced that the Nuggets would face the Pacers in Taipai, Taiwan on Oct. 8, it has been announced they also will play Indiana three days later in Beijing.

The teams will play at Wukesong Arena, which has been refurbished since hosting Olympic basketball in 2008, including Team USA's dramatic gold-medal win over Spain. Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was on the victorious American team.

"The Wukesong Arena is an outstanding facility that we are proud to call the home of the NBA in Beijing," said CEO of NBA China Tim Chen. "We are honored to return to play our third game in Beijing and are looking forward to providing a great game between the Nuggets and Pacers in October to our avid fans."

The arena that will host the third NBA game in Beijing has a capacity of 17,022. The previous two games were Houston against Sacramento in 2004 and Milwaukee and Golden State last year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The basketball world doesn't respect statistics. It's the playoffs, and the recognition of delivering ultra success is the key... I think Melo now knows he wants to come back and be a little more of a leader, a little more of a guy that directs the team by example and by attitude." --Nuggets coach George Karl, on forward Carmelo Anthony having become a better all-around player.