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Rumor Central: Vegetarian diet key to Al Jefferson slimming down

According to Indiana Pacers backup center Al Jefferson, he has lost a lot of weight and is in better shape than when he signed with the team last July.

"Since I signed here last year, [I've lost] 40 pounds," Jefferson told The Indianapolis Star. "Since the season, 20 [pounds]."

Jefferson added: "I'm a vegetarian now. I got sick eating some home fried chicken. That’s my favorite. I just gave it up. See how long I can do it. I'm not saying it’s forever."

Jefferson was motivated to change his eating habits and work hard on his game in the summer after playing poorly in 2016-17. Last season, the 32-year-old averaged 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 66 appearances.

Jefferson is signed through the 2018-19 season, but he's guaranteed only $4 million for the third year of his contract. Jefferson is set to make $9.76 million for the 2017-18 season as the main backup center behind Myles Turner.

-- Nick Silva

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