CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson dropped 25 pounds over the summer hoping to take pressure off his knees and ankles and extend his NBA career.
Jefferson, who played at 289 pounds last season, says he feels amazing.
The 11-year NBA veteran says, "It's like somebody took a 25-pound man off my back."
The 30-year-old Jefferson says he took a page from the seemingly ageless Tim Duncan, who went about reshaping his body after the 2011 season by losing 20-plus pounds.
Jefferson missed 15 games last season and nine the year before due to injury and thinks the extra weight is a big reason why. His goal is to play in all 82 games this season.
The Hornets open training camp on Saturday in Charlotte.
