Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari has admitted that he is under extra pressure to deliver every night after signing a new contract in the summer.

Gallinari became the highest-paid player on the team when he was handed a two-year extension in August, and the loss of point guard Ty Lawson means that there is a need for the 27-year-old to lead by example.

"It means that you have to bring it every night," the Italian, who averaged 12.4 points across 59 games last season, told the Denver Post.

"If they pay you that, it means they believe in you. They believe in me and they believe I can be the leader, I can be the best player on the court, and I have to do it. I see that as my role. That's the most comfortable situation that I feel, that I like to be in."

Gallinari started the season by scoring 23 points in a 105-85 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.