Making it to the NBA requires a certain level of skill and talent. But to stay in that position demands discipline. Don’t believe it? Ask LeBron James who spends $1.5 million every year just to stay in game shape. Although most superstars realize it early in their careers, it took 21-year-old Kenneth Lofton Jr. nearly two years of NBA experience and multiple lost jobs to determine that it was time to focus on fitness.

And this summer, Lofton took everyone by surprise with his amazing body transformation. That garnered appreciation even from Warriors’ star Draymond Green.

An impressed Green recently showcased the 21YO star’s work ethic as he shared the post on his IG story, “Young Fella understand what it means and looks like to be a pro now! Love to see the growth.” But it has not been easy for Kenneth.

Last year, when Lofton entered the hardwood during the Summer League in a Grizzlies uniform, he looked far from being NBA-ready. Already 275 pounds during his rookie season 2 years ago, the forward reportedly arrived at last year’s camp having gained 25 pounds, crossing the 300-pound mark. Soon after the season began, the Grizzlies waived Lofton in December, giving him a harsh reality check.

Realizing that he needed to get back in shape if he wanted to continue his NBA career, Lofton got to work, soon losing over 20 pounds in a month. “I just been locking in, man. Being a professional. Just doing what I got to do to be the best, honestly,” He said last December.

Amid his transformation journey, he was signed by the Sixers on a two-way contract but was waived again a couple of months later after he missed some time due to shoulder sprain and personal reasons. Then, he got another offer from the Utah Jazz in March, who signed him on a three-year non-guaranteed deal.

And this time, Lofton took things more seriously as he showed up to the Summer League, having shed all the excess weight and looking like a completely different person. Although he impressed everyone with his incredible transformation, that unfortunately was not enough for the Jazz to keep him on their roster. Despite the three-year deal, the 21YO was waived yesterday, making it his third lost job in a year.

Draymond Green has faced his own demon of fitness issues

While Kenny is out of a job at the moment, it is highly likely that he might soon get picked by another team that is impressed by his work ethic. More so because Draymond has also acknowledged Lofton’s mindset change and he understands exactly what it takes to overcome such issues.

Just five years ago, when the Warriors made their fifth consecutive run to the NBA finals, Draymond was not in great shape at the start of the season. And Warriors’ then-GM Bob Myers advised him to get his act together if he wants to win another title. “Bob said, ‘If we’re going to win a championship, you have to get in shape.” Green revealed in an interview.

“I was like, ‘Oh, I know. I’m fat as hell right now. Give me two weeks. It will probably take 10 days, but give me two weeks for sure and I’ll be good.’” Green told Bob. Sure enough, Draymond took that advice and altered his diet in March, cutting down junk food and wine, which eventually led to him shedding 25 points in a few weeks.

Although the Warriors ended up losing to the Raptors in the finals, his work ethic to get back in shape boosted his confidence significantly, “When I went on this diet, it’s like a sense of control, and it’s confidence because you feel like you’re conquering something, you’re defeating something every day.”

Hopefully, Kenneth will gain the same level of confidence with his recent transformation. While he played only four games for the Jazz this past season, he averaged a career-high 13.8 points along with nearly five assists. Moreover, he has also dominated the G League this year, averaging nearly a double-double with 25.1 points and 9.5 rebounds. And surely, there is a place in the NBA for a player like him who can get buckets playing bully ball and protect the paint at the same time. Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.