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.