As Kobe Bryant creeps toward the two-decade mark in the NBA, every element of how he prepares, trains and recovers is so much more important, so much more amplified. Including what’s in his soup bowl.
Bone broth has quietly but steadily become a daily staple of Bryant’s diet over the past three years. It’s the foundation of his pregame meal at home and on the road, and the Lakers put in long hours to make sure it’s carefully prepared for him at all times.
“I’ve been doing the bone broth for a while now,” Bryant said. “It’s great – energy, inflammation. It’s great.”
The Lakers’ bone broth revolution began when Shanahan, a devout believer in what she calls its “magical” powers, became a consulting nutritionist for the team in the 2012-13 season, working with players remotely, often via Skype or phone. Others on the team’s training/nutrition side soon became believers, too.
“Everybody is looking for a magical elixir or some cure-all,” said Tim DiFrancesco, the Lakers’ head strength and conditioning coach, “but bone broth is where it’s at.”
Bryant no longer believes he can eat anything he wants and still perform at a high level. It’s just another part of aging he has had to accept.
