If this is what D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers look like with post-Kobe “freedom,” they might be alright.

Russell, the electric point guard who was marginalized in the offense as a rookie and embarrassed in the locker room by a social media scandal, scored 20 points as the Lakers got off to an exciting start in the franchise’s first season since 1995 without Kobe Bryant — holding off the Houston Rockets 120-114 on Wednesday night at Staples Center.

“Kobe deserved every bit of attention he got in his last year, but there’s freedom in Kobe not being around,” Russell told ESPN in a story published this week.

Last season, Russell — when he wasn’t stapled to the bench by head coach Byron Scott — averaged 13.2 points and 3.3 assists, depressed stats considering he was often was asked to spectate while Bryant celebrated his farewell tour by playing hero ball.

With more creative control Wednesday, Russell — still just 20 years old — shot 7-of-16 (including 4-of-10 from 3-point range) and posted three assists (against three turnovers) as the Lakers played an up-tempo offensive game under 36-year-old head coach Luke Walton. Jordan Clarkson scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Julius Randle added 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists. No. 2 pick Brandon Ingram had nine points in his NBA debut.

“The outcome is less of a concern than how we play, and how we get after it,” Walton said.

Still, there’s a certain irony when Russell discusses the improved Lakers chemistry and trust. He was frozen out in the locker room last season after recording footage, which later leaked online, of teammate Nick Young admitting to cheating on fiancée Iggy Azalea. He also has drawn attention to himself with his off-the-court chest passes. For now, though, he’s comfortably installed at point guard and buzz is building around the next generation of Showtime.

“We’re all about playing together now,” Russell told ESPN. “It’s not about one guy anymore. It’s about sacrificing for the team. … I feel like we’re all buying into that concept. We’re a team now. And that’s exciting.”

With AP