DeMarcus Cousins has lost weight with a strict diet and a strong workout regimen this offseason. 

“I just try to improve every season in some type of way. This was another area I thought I could improve in,” Cousins said.

Cousins was asked how much he weighs now.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know,” Cousins said. “I lost a lot of weight. I did my little training program in L.A. and I like the results. I’m good. I feel lighter on my feet. I’m moving a lot better than I have in previous years. It doesn’t hurt to wake up in the morning and the aches and pains have kind of gone away. It’s definitely benefited my body a lot more.”

“No one forced him to have weight loss," said Alvin Gentry. "Obviously, we’d like him in great shape. He called the guy up and got in the program that he is in right now. He’s been great at everything I’ve asked him to do in terms of being ready for next [season] and being ready to play. I think he is going to have a great year.”

Cousins said the Pelicans have a “very good chance to shock a lot of people.”

“We see that we can do something special regardless of the reports or what the so-called experts think about our team,” Cousins said. “We’re very confident. We think we have a chance to shock a lot of people. I’m excited. I wish it was starting tomorrow. I’m excited about this season.”