Often, the initial weight loss will seem the easiest, and then the loss slows somewhat over time, said Tara Gidus, dietician for the Orlando Magic NBA team and owner of Tara Gidus Nutrition Consulting in Orlando, Florida.

CNN: A 10-pound milestone in a 2009 journey

He told the team of Penny's NBA career with the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, of the millions he made on the court and from his own Nike shoe line.

CNN: Ex-NBA star coaches middle school, transforms his 'hood

"I actually feel sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game, " Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy grinched a couple of years ago.

WSJ: Jason Gay: Can the NBA Steal Christmas?

The NBA Mexico Game presented by BBVA Bancomer features the Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Hornets in Mexico City.

FORBES: The 2012 NBA Pre-Season Kicks Off With Seven International Games Aimed At Increasing The League's Global Presence

He went on to spend four years playing in the NBA, the top basketball league in the world, with Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets.

BBC: John Amaechi