Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
Lauri Elias Markkanen, born on May 22, 1997, in Vantaa, Finland, is a Finnish professional basketball player known for his versatility as a forward.
- Full Name: Lauri Elias Markkanen
- Nationality: Finnish
- Date of Birth: May 22, 1997
- Hometown: Vantaa, Finland
- Height: 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)
- Weight: 240 pounds (109 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (211cm)
- Shoe Size: Size 18 (US)
- Shoe Brand: Nike LeBron 22, Nike GT Hustle 2, Nike LeBron 21, Nike LeBron 20, Nike Hyperdunk 2017, Nike LeBron X, Nike LeBron 11, Nike LeBron 14
- Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
- Jersey Number: 23
- High School:
- Helsinki Basketball Academy (HBA-Märsky): Markkanen played for HBA-Märsky in the Finnish second-tier league from 2014 to 2016, developing his skills before moving to the United States for college basketball.
- College:
- University of Arizona (2016–2017): In his lone season with the Arizona Wildcats, Markkanen earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors, showcasing his talent and versatility on the court.
- NBA Draft:
- 2017 NBA Draft: Selected 7th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves; his rights were subsequently traded to the Chicago Bulls as part of a draft-night trade.
- Teams Played For:
- Chicago Bulls (2017–2021): Markkanen began his NBA career with the Bulls, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2018.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022): Continued his career with the Cavaliers, contributing significantly during his tenure.
- Utah Jazz (2022–present): Joined the Jazz, where he experienced a career resurgence, earning his first NBA All-Star selection and winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2023.
- Championship Rings: As of January 2025, Markkanen has not won an NBA championship.
- Family:
- Parents: Pekka and Riikka Markkanen, both former Finnish basketball players.
- Siblings: Older brother, Eero Markkanen, is a professional footballer.
- Children: Information not publicly available.
Markkanen’s journey from Finland to the NBA highlights his development into a prominent player, earning recognition and accolades throughout his career.
