Born on August 14, 2002, Kenneth Wayne Lofton Jr. has made a name for himself as a skilled American professional basketball player currently contributing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before his NBA journey, Lofton showcased his talents on the college stage, playing for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Notably, he was a two-time all-conference selection in Conference USA, with the honor of first-team recognition during his standout sophomore year in 2022.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Kenneth Wayne Lofton Jr.
Known As	Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Date of Birth	August 14, 2002
Birth Place	Port Arthur, Texas, USA
Nicknames	Yet to be widely known
Religion	Not publicly disclosed
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Age	21
Height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight	275 lb (125 kg)
Hair Color	Not specified
Eye Color	Undisclosed
Build	Athletic
Father’s Name	Kenneth Lofton
Mother’s Name	Information not available
Siblings’ Names	Kennedi (sister)
Education	Attended Louisiana Tech University
Marital Status	Single
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Girlfriend	None
Kid	None
Profession	Professional Basketball Player (NBA)
NBA Draft	2022 (Undrafted)
Position	Power Forward / Center
League	NBA (National Basketball Association)
Active Years	2022–present
Salary and Net Worth	$1,731,754
Currently Plays for	Memphis Grizzlies
Jersey Number (recent)	#6
Social Media	Twitter Instagram

Kenneth Lofton Jr Early Life and High School Career

Kenneth Wayne Lofton Jr., born on August 14, 2002, in the basketball-centric town of Port Arthur, Texas, has been on a trajectory toward stardom since high school. Lofton made a name for himself at Memorial High School, initially showcasing his skills as a guard before a remarkable growth spurt transformed him into a formidable post player. 

His impact was felt early, contributing significantly to his high school’s success, including clinching a 5A state title in his sophomore season and leading his team to a district title as a senior. Lofton’s prowess earned him accolades, including being named a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

Kenneth Lofton Jr College Career

The transition to the collegiate stage saws Lofton don the jersey of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. His freshman season was spectacular, culminating in a thrilling performance in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) third-place game. Lofton’s double-double with 27 points and 13 rebounds, including a game-winning shot, solidified his reputation. Averaging 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, Lofton earned Third Team All-Conference USA and Freshman of the Year honors. In his sophomore year, he witnessed a remarkable evolution, securing him a spot on the First Team All-Conference USA with averages of 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

Professional Career with the Memphis Grizzlies

Undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Lofton’s resilience paid off when he signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on July 2, 2022. Making his NBA debut on October 22, 2022, Lofton quickly proved his mettle. His outstanding performances earned him a place in the G League’s Next Up Game and, eventually, the prestigious NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award on March 31, 2023. The Grizzlies recognized his potential, converting his contract into a standard, multi-year NBA deal on April 8, 2023.

Career Highlights

April 9, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in Lofton’s career. Making his first start for the Memphis Grizzlies, he showcased his skills and etched his name in NBA history. Lofton’s career-high 42 points and 14 rebounds in a single game set a historic record as the first player to achieve such a feat in their debut start.

National Team 

Beyond the NBA, Lofton represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. His contributions, especially in the gold medal game against France, played a crucial role in securing victory for the team.

Off the Court: Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s Profile

Personal Information

At 21 years old, standing at an imposing 6 ft 7 in, and weighing 275 lbs, Kenneth Lofton Jr. commands attention both on and off the court. Born under the zodiac sign Leo and in the Chinese Year of the Horse, Lofton possesses leadership, strength, and determination traits.

Social Media Presence

Beyond his on-court achievements, Lofton has cultivated a significant digital presence. With an Instagram following of 200,000, his account, itzjunior35, provides fans a glimpse into his life beyond the basketball arena, showcasing personal moments and highlights.

Family Background

Rooted in Port Arthur, Texas, Lofton’s family background adds depth to his narrative. His grandfather, Gene Duhon, achieved athletic acclaim as a track and field athlete, earning a well-deserved place in the Track Hall of Fame. The athletic legacy extends to Lofton’s older sister, Kennedy, who also made her mark in college basketball. Kenneth Lofton’s father brings a military touch to the family’s story as an Army veteran.

Physical Presence

Standing at an imposing 6 ft 7 in and weighing 275 lbs, Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s physicality is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His size, strength, agility, and skill make him a versatile player, equally adept at commanding the paint and showcasing finesse in his game. Lofton’s physical attributes contribute significantly to his on-court dominance, solidifying his role as a power forward and center for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Relationship Status and Personal Life

While Kenneth Lofton Jr.’s professional life is under the spotlight, his personal life remains relatively private. As of the latest available information, Lofton is currently single, focusing his energy and attention on his burgeoning basketball career. Balancing the demands of an NBA career and personal life can be challenging, and Lofton is prioritizing his dedication to the sport.

Salary and Net Worth

Inking a substantial 4-year, $6,927,014 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, including guaranteed earnings of $2,719,864, Lofton’s financial standing reflects the team’s confidence in his potential. The contract outlines an annual average salary of $1,731,754, with specific figures for the upcoming 2023-24 season.