Blazers' Lillard goes vegan to lose weight

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has adopted a vegan diet to lose weight, and it appears to be working, according to a report from the

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has adopted a vegan diet to lose weight, and it appears to be working, according to a report from the Oregonian.

Lillard finished last season playing at close to 200 pounds, and has reportedly dropped more than five pounds just during the summer months.

Along with the diet, Lillard has also taken up swimming and boxing as part of his offseason conditioning.

Lillard, 27, is coming off a season in which he averaged career-highs with 27.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.

A vegan diet is a plant-based diet that eliminates all forms of meat, including fish, as well as eggs and dairy.

"In theory, dropping about 10 pound off his frame should help Lillard reduce stress on his body without sacrificing much strength," the Oregonian wrote.

Lillard and backcourt-mate C.J. McCollum have actively recruited New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who is looking for a trade. So far, it appears Anthony is not willing to accept a buyout or waive his no-trade clause to come to Portland.

The Blazers finished 41-41 last season before losing to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.