Kevin Love's NBA career has been marked by significant physical changes, reflecting his evolving approach to diet, fitness, and overall performance. From his early days as a "doughy" power forward to his current status as a refined and versatile player, Love's weight loss journey is a testament to his dedication and commitment to longevity in the league.
Early Career and Weight Gain
Coming into the NBA from UCLA, Kevin Love weighed 255 pounds with a body fat percentage exceeding 12 percent. Over the next few years, his weight increased to 265 pounds. Recognizing the need for change, Love began to prioritize dieting and nutrition during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Transformation
Before the lockout-shortened season, Love managed to shed 25 pounds, demonstrating his initial commitment to improving his physical condition. This transformation laid the groundwork for his subsequent dedication to fitness and nutrition.
Plant-Based Diet and the Cleveland Cavaliers
Upon joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, Love took his commitment to a healthy lifestyle to a new level. He hired a personal chef and adopted a strict plant-based diet, a decision that drew playful teasing from his teammates.
Richard Jefferson recounted a team breakfast where Love opted for bran muffins and a banana with skim milk while his teammates indulged in pancakes, waffles, and bacon. Despite the ribbing, Love embraced his dietary choices, often bringing his own meals, such as kale salads and grilled chicken, on team flights to avoid less healthy postgame options.
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Shoulder Injury and Weight Loss
In April, Love dislocated his shoulder during a playoff game against the Boston Celtics. This injury sidelined him and led to an unexpected period of weight loss.
Love revealed that he lost approximately 15 pounds after the injury, bringing his weight down to 238 pounds. Instead of dwelling on the setback, Love viewed the injury as an opportunity to reassess his fitness and identify areas for improvement. He used this time to study other players and refine his approach to the game.
Addressing Weight Struggles
Love openly discussed his past struggles with weight, recalling how he was teased as a child for being "round and big." He admitted to overeating, particularly during his middle school years, and described himself as "doughy" coming out of college.
Despite these challenges, Love always found ways to use his weight to his advantage on the court. He focused on developing his touch and footwork, which allowed him to excel as a rebounder.
Embracing Fitness and Longevity
As Love's career progressed, his focus shifted towards long-term fitness and performance. He incorporated various training methods into his routine, including yoga, Pilates, sand workouts, and resistance training. He also emphasized the importance of nutrition, working with a chef to carefully monitor his diet and prioritize refueling his body.
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Love expressed his desire to play until he is 40, emphasizing that he wants his retirement to be his own choice. He believes that his best basketball is still ahead of him.
Adapting to a New Role
Love acknowledged that his role changed when he joined the Cavaliers, requiring him to adapt his style of play. He focused on improving his running ability and maintaining fresh legs throughout the grueling NBA season.
Initially, Love felt "too skinny" in his first year in Cleveland, which affected his ability to post up and rebound. His offensive and defensive rebounding numbers decreased, and his hook shot percentage declined.
Regaining Effectiveness
Over the subsequent seasons, Love regained his effectiveness inside, increasing his rebounding averages and improving his hook shot percentage. He also developed into a reliable three-point shooter, adding another dimension to his offensive game.
Mindset of a Champion
Love's transformation extends beyond his physical appearance. He has cultivated the mindset of a champion, constantly seeking ways to improve his game and contribute to his team's success.
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He emphasizes the importance of healthy living, stating that he is focused on "bettering himself" to help his team and extend his career.
Impact of Weight Loss
Love's weight loss has had a significant impact on his overall game. By shedding excess weight and sustaining muscle mass, he has become quicker, more agile, and a greater threat to attack opponents off the dribble.
He is now a better player on both ends of the court than he has ever been, demonstrating the positive effects of his dedication to fitness and nutrition.
Addressing Criticisms and Misconceptions
Some critics have suggested that Love's focus on dieting and weight loss borders on disordered eating. However, it is important to consider that professional athletes often prioritize short-term performance goals over long-term health risks.
While Love's eating habits may seem extreme to some, they are a reflection of his commitment to his career and his desire to compete at the highest level.