Lauri Markkanen

Markkanen was born in Vantaa, but grew up in Jyväskylä. He played his junior years in the local team HoNsU ({{ill|Hongikon Nuorisoseuran Urheilijat (koripallo)|fi}}.{{cite news|title= Koripallon poikkeuslahjakkuus Lauri Markkanen harjoitteli heittoja jopa ilman pakkasrajaa|url=http://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000002889803.html|work=Helsingin Sanomat|date=6 March 2016|language=fi-FI}} In 2014, Markkanen moved to Helsinki and joined Helsinki Basketball Academy. He played for the academy team HBA-Märsky in the Finnish second-tier league from 2014 to 2016. He attended the Basketball Without Borders camp in 2015.

On 17 October 2015, Markkanen verbally committed to NCAA Division I squad Arizona Wildcats prior to the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|title=UA basketball: Finnish big man Markkanen commits|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|date=17 October 2015|url=http://tucson.com/sports/basketball/college/wildcats/ua-basketball-finnish-big-man-markkanen-commits/article_e966bcd3-c48f-5d2d-9ff6-14c271e92a71.html}}{{cite news|title=Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen commits to Arizona|publisher=Sports Illustrated|author=Jeremy Woo|date=17 October 2015|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/10/17/arizona-wildcats-lauri-markkanen-commits-finland-sean-miller}}{{cite news|title=Finland's five-star forward Lauri Markkanen commits to Arizona|author=Sam Vecenie|work=CBS Sports|date=17 October 2015|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25343238/finlands-five-star-forward-lauri-markkanen-commits-to-arizona}} Lauri signed a letter of intent to Arizona on 11 November. ESPN.com reported that the seven-foot Finn was considered "a possible one-and-done candidate for the NBA draft."{{cite news|title=Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen commits to Arizona|work=ESPN.com|author=Jeff Borzello|url=https://www.espn.com/recruiting/basketball/story/_/id/13908331/finnish-center-lauri-markkanen-commits-arizona-wildcats}} He became the first Wildcats player since Mike Bibby to wear the jersey number 10. In January 2017, SB Nation regarded him as "the best shooting 7-footer college basketball has ever seen".{{cite news|last1=O'Donnell|first1=Ricky|title=Lauri Markkanen is the best shooting 7-footer college basketball has ever seen|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2017/1/20/14336960/arizona-lauri-markkanen-shooting-nba-draft-2017|work=SBNation.com|date=20 January 2017}} Within the same month Markkanen was selected as Pac-12 Player of the Week as well as the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week.{{cite news|last1=Star|first1=Bruce Pascoe Arizona Daily|title=Arizona basketball: Markkanen named Pac-12 Player of the Week|url=http://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/pascoe/arizona-basketball-markkanen-named-pac--player-of-the-week/article_4060764a-e19d-11e6-b204-73a2bcfbe2a9.html|work=Arizona Daily Star|date=23 January 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2017/1/24/14374018/arizona-basketball-lauri-markkanen-named-oscar-robertson-national-player-of-week-nba-draft-pac-12|title=Arizona basketball: Lauri Markkanen named Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week|website=AZDesertSwarm.com|date=24 January 2017 |access-date=24 January 2017}} He has also been named to the pre-season Karl Malone Award Watchlist,{{Cite web|url=http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2016/10/20/13349876/arizona-wildcats-basketball-lauri-markkanen-karl-malone-award-watch-list-nba-draft-red-blue-game|title=Arizona basketball: Lauri Markkanen named to the Karl Malone Award watch list|website=AZDesertSwarm.com|date=20 October 2016 |access-date=20 October 2016}} Naismith Award Watchlist,{{Cite web|url=http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2016/11/10/13592988/arizona-wildcats-basketball-lauri-markkanen-on-preseason-naismith-watchlist-miles-bridges-msu|title=Arizona basketball: Arizona Wildcats Basketball Lauri Markkanen on preseason Naismith Award watch list|website=AZDesertSwarm.com|date=10 November 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016}} Wooden Award Watchlist,{{Cite web|url=http://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/pascoe/ua-bakersfield-pregame-markkanen-named-to-wooden-award-watch-list/article_8f0cad16-ab71-11e6-a61d-dbe1cfddd0b5.html|title=UA-Cal State Bakersfield pregame: Markkanen named to Wooden Award Watchlist|website=Tucson.com|date=15 November 2016 |access-date=15 November 2016}} Wooden Award Midseason Top 25,{{Cite web|url=http://www.woodenaward.com/john_r_wooden_award_reveals_2016_17_midseason_top_25|title=John R. Wooden Award Reveals 2016-17 Midseason Top 25|publisher=John R Wooden Award|access-date=12 January 2017}} Wayman Tisdale Award Midseason watch list, Oscar Robertson Award Midseason watch list,{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/USBWA/news/2017/watchlists170123.html|title=Oscar Robertson Award}} Karl Malone Award Finalist,{{Cite web|url=http://www.hoophallawards.com/malone.php|title=Karl Malone Award}} Naismith Top 30 Finalist.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/naismith-watch/2017-02-09/college-basketball-naismith-trophy-top-30-list|title=College basketball: Naismith Trophy Top 30 list announced|date=9 February 2017|work=NCAA.com|access-date=29 January 2018}} Markkanen was among the 15 finalists for the John R. Wooden Award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.woodenaward.com/john_r_wooden_award_presented_by_wendy_s_announces_2016_17_men_s_national_ballot|title=John R. Wooden Award Presented By Wendy's Announces 2016-17 Men's National Ballot|website=John R. Wooden Award}}

He recorded a career-high 30 points on 12 Jan against rival Arizona State. Also recording a career-high 13 rebounds three times against Northern Colorado, Washington State, and Washington. His career-high three blocks came against Arizona State in the regular season finale 4 March 2017.

Markkanen was selected to the third team All-American team by the Associated Press, NBC Sports, USA Today, and the Sporting News on 6 March 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/college-basketball-all-americans-2017-sporting-news-lonzo-ball-josh-hart-justin-jackson-frank-mason-caleb-swanigan/1tnhntha9fb3q1b468aho78tbp|title=Sporting News 2017 college basketball All-Americans|website=www.sportingnews.com|date=6 March 2017 }} He was a first team All-Pac-12 selection, as well as first team All-Pac-12 Freshman team and first team All-Pac-12 team in Associated Press.

At the conclusion of his freshman season, Markkanen announced his intention to forgo his final three years of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft.{{cite web|url=http://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/basketball/pascoe/arizona-wildcats-freshman-lauri-markkanen-confirms-he-ll-leave-for/article_3db2a624-156a-11e7-931e-83d630618d4c.html|title=Arizona Wildcats freshman Lauri Markkanen confirms he'll leave for NBA |website=tucson.com|author=Bruce Pascoe|date=30 March 2017|access-date=30 March 2017}}

Markkanen was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the seventh pick of the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. On draft night, his rights were traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton.{{cite web|title=Bulls acquire Dunn, LaVine and Markkanen from Minnesota|url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-acquire-dunn-lavine-and-markkanen-minnesota|website=NBA.com|access-date=28 June 2017|date=22 June 2017}} On 5 July 2017, Markkanen signed with the Bulls on a four-year rookie scale contract worth $20.4 million.{{cite web|title=Bulls sign Lauri Markkanen|url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/bulls-sign-lauri-markkanen|website=NBA.com|access-date=6 July 2017|date=5 July 2017}}[https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/23602/lauri-markkanen Lauri Markkanen], spotrac.com

On 19 October 2017, Markkanen made his NBA debut with the Bulls and scored 17 points.{{cite web|title = Bulls' Lauri Markkanen: Shines in debut Thursday|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/bulls-lauri-markkanen-shines-in-debut-thursday/|website=cbssports.com|access-date=24 October 2017| date=20 October 2017}} Markkanen then set an NBA record on 24 October, for most 3-pointers in the first three games of an NBA career with ten 3-pointers.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-cavaliers-spt-1025-20171024-story.html|title=Lauri Markkanen sets NBA record as Bulls fall to Cavaliers 119-112|last=Johnson|first=K.C.|date=24 October 2017|website=chicagotribune.com|access-date=24 October 2017}} Markkanen also asked former NBA player Brian Scalabrine to use his number 24, which Brian allowed.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2017/10/25/bulls-lauri-markkanen-brian-scalabrine-24-jersey|title=Lauri Markkanen Asked Brian Scalabrine For Permission to Wear His Old Number|website=Sports Illustrated.com|date=25 October 2017|last=Gartland|first=Dan}} On 30 December, Markkanen scored a career-high 32 points and seven rebounds in a 119–107 win against the Indiana Pacers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20171230/as-lavine-approaches-return-will-bulls-even-try-to-keep-things-rolling|title=As LaVine approaches return, will Bulls even try to keep things rolling?|last=McGraw|first=Mike|date=30 December 2017|work=Daily Herald|access-date=11 February 2018}} On 10 January 2018, Markkanen played a career-high 46 minutes, scored a career-high 33 points along with a career-high eight 3-pointers in a double overtime 122–119 win against the New York Knicks. This made him the second seven-foot player to make eight three-pointers in a game (the first being Dirk Nowitzki).{{cite web|last1=Barnewall|first1=Chris|title=Lauri Markkanen's eight 3-pointers are the most by a 7-footer since Dirk Nowitzki|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lauri-markkanens-eight-3-pointers-are-the-most-by-a-7-footer-since-dirk-nowitzki/|website=cbssports.com|access-date=13 January 2018|date=11 January 2018}} On 22 January, he grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180122/bulls-collapse-in-fourth-quarter-lose-in-2ot-as-cousins-has-epic-stat-line|title=Bulls collapse in fourth quarter, lose in 2OT as Cousins has epic stat line|last=McGraw|first=Mike|date=22 January 2018|work=Daily Herald|access-date=11 February 2018}} Four days later, Markkanen blocked a career-high three shots against the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite news|url=http://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2018/01/26/brandon-ingram-leads-lakers-to-1st-road-win-without-lonzo-ball-108-103-vs-bulls/|title=Brandon Ingram leads Lakers to 1st road win without Lonzo Ball, 108-103 vs. Bulls|last=Martin|first=Josh|date=27 January 2018|work=Lonzo Wire|access-date=11 February 2018}}

After scoring seventeen points against the Milwaukee Bucks on 28 January 2018, Markkanen surpassed Hanno Möttölä (715) as the career leading scorer among NBA players from Finland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/milwaukee-bucks-at-chicago-bulls/game-center/sp-id-30401000001947304??ocid=ocid=INSSPBD10|title=Antetokounmpo scores 27, Bucks beat Bulls 110-96|last=Seligman|first=Andrew|date=28 January 2018|website=www.msn.com|access-date=29 January 2018}} On 22 May 2018, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.{{cite news|title=Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons lead 2017-18 NBA All-Rookie first team|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/05/22/all-rookie-teams-release-2017-18-season|access-date=22 May 2018|work=NBA.com|date=22 May 2018}} He ended his rookie season leading the Bulls in rebounds with 7.5 and fourth in scoring with 15.2;{{cite web |title=2017-18 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2018.html |website=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=24 October 2019}} his 14 double-doubles was third among rookies behind Kyle Kuzma and Ben Simmons.{{cite web |title=2017-2018 Rookies with Double-Doubles |url=http://bkref.com/tiny/7V8a9 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=24 October 2019}}

Markkanen missed the first 23 games of the season. He had a career-high 19 rebounds in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on 28 January. He also had 31 points and 18 rebounds in a win over Brooklyn on 8 February; a career-high 35 points along with 15 rebounds in a win over the Boston Celtics on 23 February; and 31 points and 17 rebounds in win over the Atlanta Hawks on 1 March. On 28 March, Markkanen was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing tests for his health problems,{{cite web |title=Lauri Markkanen Update |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/lauri-markkanen-update-0 |website=NBA.com |access-date=28 March 2019 |date=27 March 2019}} which he experienced in a 26 March game against the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web |title=Lauri Markkanen Update |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/lauri-markkanen-update |website=NBA.com |access-date=28 March 2019 |date=27 March 2019}} In the 52 games he did play, he was second on the team with 18.7 points and first with 9.0 rebounds and 20 double-doubles (fourth in the NBA).

Markkanen began the season tying a career-high with 35 points along with 17 rebounds in a one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the most opening-day points by a Chicago Bull since Michael Jordan in 1995.{{cite web |title=Chicago Bulls scoring 30+ points on opening day |url=http://bkref.com/tiny/WFJt2 |website=Pro Basketball Reference |access-date=24 October 2019}}

On 30 January 2021, Markkanen scored a season-high 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field and 6-of-11 from three in a 122–123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.{{Cite web|last=Patt|first=Jay|date=2021-01-30|title=Bulls vs. Blazers final score: Damian Lillard stuns Chicago at buzzer|url=https://www.blogabull.com/2021/1/30/22258519/bulls-vs-blazers-final-score-damian-lillard-stuns-chicago-at-buzzer|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Blog a Bull|quote=Markkanen poured in a season-high 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting and 6-of-11 from long distance.}}{{Cite web|date=2021-01-31|title=Lauri Markkanen leads team and scores season-high with 31 against Portland|url=https://www.fantasypros.com/nba/news/286996/lauri-markkanen-leads-team-scores-season-high-with-31-against-portland.php|access-date=2021-05-17|website=FantasyPros}}{{Cite web|last=Cowley|first=Joe|date=2021-01-30|title='Dame Time' dooms Bulls despite Lauri Markkanen reaching new heights|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2021/1/30/22258528/dame-time-dooms-bulls-lauri-markkanen-new-heights|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Chicago Sun-Times|quote=On nights Markkanen can score a season-high 31 like he did on Saturday, the Bulls will usually find themselves in a good spot.}} After the Bulls added veteran big men Daniel Theis and Nikola Vučević to their roster to fortify their frontcourt, Markkanen lost his starting spot.{{Cite web|title=Lauri Markkanen faces uncertain future with Bulls after shift to bench role|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lauri-markkanen-faces-uncertain-future-with-bulls-after-shift-to-bench-role/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=CBSSports.com|date=30 March 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Cowley|first=Joe|date=2021-04-08|title=New roles, new expectations for Bulls' Lauri Markkanen and Coby White|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2021/4/8/22374416/bulls-lauri-markkanen-coby-white-new-roles-new-expectations|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Chicago Sun-Times}} On 29 March, Markkanen came off the bench for the first time during the season{{Cite web|title=Bulls' Lauri Markkanen: Comes off bench Monday|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/bulls-lauri-markkanen-comes-off-bench-monday/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=CBSSports.com|date=30 March 2021 }} and the second in his 194 career games,{{Cite web|title=Bulls demote Markkanen, who believes he's a starter|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/why-lauri-markkanens-demotion-could-have-future-ramifications-bulls|access-date=2021-04-06|website=NBCSports.com|date=30 March 2021 }} he finished with 13 points, six rebounds and an assist across 22 minutes in a 102–116 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Since Markkanen moved to the second unit, he had been given a limited time and had been playing the small forward position.{{Cite web|title=Bulls' losing streak offers mix of optimism, pessimism|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/why-bulls-usage-lauri-markkanen-coby-white-creates-questions|access-date=2021-04-06|website=NBCSports.com|date=3 April 2021 |quote=Lately, in a new wrinkle, coach Billy Donovan even has been using Markkanen at small forward.}}{{Cite web|last=Cowley|first=Joe|date=2021-04-03|title=Less of Lauri Markkanen this season has been more for the Bulls|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2021/4/3/22365544/less-of-lauri-markkanen-this-season-has-more-for-the-bulls|access-date=2021-04-06|website=Chicago Sun-Times}} In a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on 12 April, Markkanen went scoreless for the first time in his career.{{Cite web|last=Patt|first=Jay|date=2021-04-12|title=Bulls vs. Grizzlies final score: Chicago melts down again in ugly 101-90 loss|url=https://www.blogabull.com/2021/4/12/22381030/bulls-vs-grizzlies-final-score-chicago-melts-down-again-in-ugly-101-90-loss|access-date=2021-04-13|website=Blog a Bull|quote=Markkanen went scoreless for the first time in his career and has been largely invisible during this three-game losing streak.}}{{Cite web|title=Observations: Bulls Flame Out in Fourth Quarter Against Grizzlies|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nbcsports/observations-bulls-flame-out-in-fourth-quarter-against-grizzlies/2484458/|access-date=2021-04-13|website=NBC Chicago|date=13 April 2021 |quote=Lauri Markkanen's minutes took yet another dip. He logged just 16 against the Grizzlies and is now averaging 21.3 minutes in eight reserve appearances since the deadline. Worse, in those minutes, he hasn't made much an impact of late -- after going scoreless in this one, he's tallied just 13 points on 11 shots in his last three games.}}

File:Markkanen attempts a 3-pointer over Mills, Cavaliers vs Nets on January 17, 2022 (cropped).jpg in a January 2022 game]]

On 28 August 2021, Markkanen was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team sign-and-trade also involving the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|title=Cavaliers Acquire Lauri Markkanen|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/markkanen-trade-210828|website=NBA.com|date=28 August 2021|access-date=28 August 2021}} Markkanen reportedly signed a four-year contract worth $67.5 million to complete the deal.[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2946698-lauri-markkanen-lands-4-year-67m-cavs-contract-after-trade-with-bulls-blazers Woj: Lauri Markkanen Lands 4-Year, $67M Cavs Contract; Bulls, Blazers in Trade], bleacherreport.com, 27 August 2021[https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/report-cavaliers-acquiring-lauri-markkanen-bulls-three-team-trade/ Report: Cavaliers acquiring Lauri Markkanen from Bulls in three-team trade], sportsnet.ca, 27 August 2021[https://www.salaryswish.com/players/lauri-markkanen Lauri Markkanen], salaryswish.com

He made his Cavaliers debut on October 20, recording ten points and nine rebounds in a 132–121 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.{{Cite web |title=MORANT, MELTON LEAD GRIZZLIES TO OPENING WIN OVER CAVS |url=https://www.nba.com/game/0022100007 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=NBA.com}} On March 18, 2022, he scored a season-high 31 points, alongside ten rebounds and four steals, in a 119–116 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets.{{Cite web |title=CAVS TOP NUGGETS 119-116 IN OT, END DENVER'S ROAD WIN STREAK |url=https://www.nba.com/game/0022101049 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=NBA.com}}

During his lone season in Cleveland, Markkanen averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 45% from the field and 36% on 3 point shots.{{Cite web |title=Lauri Markkanen Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/markkla01.html |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}} Markkanen was the starting small forward for the Cavs for the majority of the season, and he along with rookie starting power forward Evan Mobley and starting center Jarrett Allen formed "Tower City" (a reference to the Cleveland RTA hub of the same name) going against the widely accepted NBA small ball strategy and instead using 3 big men in the starting lineup.{{Cite web |last=Ridenour |first=Marla |title='That front line is real': Cleveland Cavaliers revolutionize game with tall ball lineup |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/cavs/2022/03/04/cleveland-cavaliers-defensive-rise-evan-mobley-jarrett-allen-lauri-markkanen-tall-ball-koby-altman/6924896001/ |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en-US}} The strategy paid off, as the Cavs ended the year 7th in defensive rating and Markkanen put up career highs in defensive metrics.{{Cite web |title=2021-22 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2022.html |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On 1 September 2022, Markkanen was traded, alongside Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three first round picks, and two pick swaps, to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Donovan Mitchell.{{Cite news |title=Cavs Acquire Three-Time All-Star Donovan Mitchell |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/releases-mitchell-trade-220903 |work=NBA.com|access-date=3 September 2022 }}{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell in blockbuster trade |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34502825/sources-cleveland-cavaliers-trade-3-first-round-picks-two-swaps-utah-jazz-star-donovan-mitchell |access-date=3 September 2022 |website=ESPN|date=September 2022 }}

On 18 November, Markkanen scored a then career-high 38 points on 15-of-18 shooting from the field, in a 134–133 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/jazz-news-lauri-markkanen-utah-x-factor|title=Crazy stat proves Lauri Markkanen is Jazz's X-factor|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=November 18, 2022|access-date=November 18, 2022}} On 22 December, Markkanen set a career-high with nine three-pointers on 13 attempts while also tying his then career-high 38 points in a 126–111 win over the Detroit Pistons.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Trevor |date=2022-12-21 |title=Markkanen's Career Night Helps Jazz Beat Pistons |url=https://kslsports.com/496820/markkanens-career-night-helps-jazz-beat-pistons/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=KSL Sports}}

On 5 January 2023, Markkanen put up a career-high with 49 points, alongside eight rebounds, in a 131–114 win against the Houston Rockets.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/jazz-lauri-markkanen-in-donovan-mitchell-karl-malone-territory|title=Jazz star Lauri Markkanen enters Donovan Mitchell, Karl Malone territory with 49-point eruption|website=ClutchPoints|last=Songco|first=Paolo|date=January 5, 2023|access-date=January 5, 2023}} On 2 February, Markkanen was named to his first ever NBA All-Star game as a reserve for the Western Conference.{{Cite web |title=2023 NBA All-Star reserves revealed |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2023-all-star-reserves-announced |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=NBA.com |language=en}} Markkanen also become the first NBA All-Star born in a Nordic country. On 10 February, it was announced that Markkanen had been named a starter in the All-Star game as a result of injuries to Stephen Curry and Zion Williamson.{{Cite web|url=https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-all-star-weekend/2023/2/10/23594707/lauri-markkanen-named-all-star-starter-zion-williamson|title=Lauri Markkanen named All-Star Starter|first=James|last=Hansen|date=10 February 2023|website=SLC Dunk}} On February 23, Markkanen scored 18 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 120–119 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web |title=Markkanen scores 43, rallies Jazz to OT win over Thunder |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469047 |access-date=24 February 2023 |website=ESPN}}

On April 24, 2023, Markkanen was named the 2022–23 NBA Most Improved Player, winning over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jazzs-lauri-markkanen-wins-nbas-most-improved-player-award/|work=CBS Sports|date=April 24, 2023|access-date=April 25, 2023|last=Quinn|first=Sam|title=Jazz's Lauri Markkanen wins NBA's Most Improved Player award}} During the season, Markkanen recorded 28 double-doubles in 66 games played, making it his single-season's record.[https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1628374 LAURI MARKKANEN stats], nba.com

On 19 November 2023, Markkanen played his career's second-highest 3 minutes in a 140–137 double-overtime loss against the Phoenix Suns, scoring a season-high 38 points and grabbed another season-high 17 rebounds in the game.[https://yle.fi/a/74-20061065 Lauri Markkanen teki 38 pistettä kahden jatkoajan trillerissä – päävalmentaja kommentoi puhuttavinta tilannetta: "Haluaisin pitää rahani"], Yle, 20 November 2023 Markkanen suffered a hamstring injury and missed eight games, before returning to line-up on 14 December 2023.[https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/lauri-markkanen-palasi-vihdoin-nba-kentalle-jazz-katkaisi-heti-tappioputkensa/8839534#gs.2s5wif Lauri Markkanen palasi vihdoin NBA-kentälle – Jazz katkaisi heti tappioputkensa], MTV Oy/ mtvuutiset.fi, 14 December 2023

On 15 December 2023, it was reported that Markkanen appeared to no longer be an off-limits, "untouchable" figure on the Jazz, concerning any trade possibilities, as the interest in him grew around the league.[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10101481-jazz-must-look-toward-future-trade-lauri-markkanen-amid-nba-rumors Jazz Must Look Toward Future, Trade Lauri Markkanen Amid NBA Rumors], bleacherreport.com, Eric Beaston, 17 December 2023 On 15 January 2024, Markkanen was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week, for the first time in his career.[https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/lauri-markkanen-named-nbas-western-conference-player-of-the-week Lauri Markkanen Named NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week ], nba.com, 15 January 2024[https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1613492/lauri-markkanen-named-nba-player-of-the-week-for-the-first-time-in-his-career/ Lauri Markkanen named NBA Player of the Week for the first time in his career], eurohoops.net, 15 January 2024 On 18 January 2024, it was reported that the Jazz are determined to build around Markkanen long-term as their franchise player, and are expected to re-negotiate and extend his current deal in summer 2024.[https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/utah-jazz-determined-build-lauri-markkanen-extension Report: Jazz 'Determined' to Build Around Lauri Markkanen Long-Term], Sports Illustrated, 18 January 2024[https://theathletic.com/5188498/2024/01/15/nba-trade-rumors-ranking-dejounte-murray/?source=emp_shared_article NBA Trade Board 2024: Dejounte Murray, Pascal Siakam and other rumored names on the market], The Athletic, Sam Vecenie, 15 January 2024 He missed the last part of the season partly due to a shoulder injury and partly due to tanking.[https://www.iltalehti.fi/koripallo/a/a8fc4401-b0b2-4da0-8a58-af4054942913 Lauri Markkanen siirtyy pian kultapossukerhoon], Iltalehti, 19 July 2024[https://www.is.fi/koripallo/art-2000010473845.html Näin Espanjassa reagoitiin ikäviin uutisiin Lauri Markkasesta], Ilta-Sanomat, 4 June 2024

On 7 August 2024, after Markkanen had been linked with trade speculations to the Golden State Warriors the whole summer, he signed a contract extension with the Jazz, on a five-year deal worth $238 million,[https://www.nba.com/news/lauri-markkanen-extension-utah-jazz Lauri Markkanen signs multiyear extension to remain with Jazz], nba.com, 7 August 2024 surpassing Kimi Räikkönen to become the highest earning Finnish athlete ever.[https://yle.fi/a/74-20103722 Historiallinen sopimus julki – Lauri Markkanen avasi kesän huhumyllyä Ylelle: ”Olo on helpottunut”], Yle, 7 August 2024

On 23 October, in the first game of the season, Markkanen recorded 35 points and nine rebounds, in a 126–124 home loss against Memphis Grizzlies, the team coached by his fellow-countryman Tuomas Iisalo.[https://yle.fi/a/74-20118792 Lauri Markkanen hurjasteli NBA-kauden avauksessa – Utah hävisi Tuomas Iisalon valmentamalle Memphisille], Yle, 24 October 2024[https://yle.fi/a/74-20119947 Kommentti: Lauri Markkaselta todella harvinainen näytös – joukkuekaverin hölmöily toi mieleen ikonisen ripityksen], Yle, 24 October 2024

File:Lauri Markkanen.jpg

File:EuroBasket 2017 France vs Finland 01.jpg]]

Markkanen made his international debut with the Finnish U-18 national team at the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article102553812.html|title=Former KU forward Pekka Markkanen's son, Lauri, expected to excel at Arizona|last=Bedore|first=Gary|date=17 September 2016|work=The Kansas City Star|access-date=12 May 2017}} Markkanen averaged 18.2 points per game and was the top scorer in the tournament. He was the top scorer also in 2016 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship tournament for Finland U20 with an average of 24.9 points per game and was named to the All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|title=All-Star Five - Lauri Markkanen is the top scorer! - FIBA U20 European Championship 2016 - FIBA U20 European Championship Division A 2016 - FIBA.com|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u20/2016/videos/All-Star-Five-Lauri-Markkanen-is-the-top-scorer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006064447/http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u20/2016/videos/All-Star-Five-Lauri-Markkanen-is-the-top-scorer|url-status=live|archive-date=6 October 2017|website=FIBA.com|access-date=24 January 2017}}

Markkanen played with the Finland senior national team at EuroBasket 2017, which was partly held in his home country. He led his team to the round of 16 by averaging 19.5 points and 5.7 rebounds over 6 games.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2017/Lauri-Markkanen|title=Lauri Markkanen Profile|publisher=EuroBasket 2017|access-date=28 October 2017}}

He played his second EuroBasket tournament in 2022. In the Round of 16, Markkanen scored 43 points to lead Finland to a 94–86 win over Croatia, setting a new all-time record for a Finnish player at the EuroBasket.{{Cite web |title=Markkanen takeover: 43-point special sends Finland to the Quarter-Finals |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/news/markkanen-takeover-43-point-special-sends-finland-to-the-quarter-finals |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=FIBA.basketball}} The win also lead to Finland's first quarterfinal appearance in 55 years, the last being in 1967. Finland eventually lost in the following quarterfinals to Spain 100–90. Markkanen averaged 27.9 points on 54.2 percent shooting, and eight rebounds over seven games.{{Cite web |title=Lauri MARKKANEN at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/player/Lauri-Markkanen |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=FIBA.basketball}}

Markkanen was named in the Finnish national team roster to play 2023 FIBA World Cup. In the tournament, he averaged 24.8 points and 8 rebounds over five games,[https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/196372/Lauri-Markkanen Lauri Markkanen], FIBA but after the losses in the group stage, Finland finished 21st place out of 32 teams.

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Chicago

| 68 || 68 || 29.7 || .434 || .362 || .843 || 7.5 || 1.2 || .6 || .6 || 15.2

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Chicago

| 52 || 51 || 32.3 || .430 || .361 || .872 || 9.0 || 1.4 || .7 || .6 || 18.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Chicago

| 50 || 50 || 29.8 || .425 || .344 || .824 || 6.3 || 1.5 || .8 || .5 || 14.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Chicago

| 51 || 26 || 25.8 || .480 || .402 || .826 || 5.3 || .9 || .5 || .3 || 13.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland

| 61 || 61 || 30.8 || .445 || .358 || .868 || 5.7 || 1.3 || .7 || .5 || 14.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Utah

| 66 || 66 || 34.4 || .499 || .391 || .875 || 8.6 || 1.9 || .6 || .6 || 25.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Utah

| 55 || 55 || 33.1 || .480 || .399 || .899 || 8.2 || 2.0 || .9 || .5 || 23.2

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2024}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Utah

| 47 || 47 || 31.4 || .423 || .346 || .876 || 5.9 || 1.5 || .7 || .4 || 19.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 450 || 424 || 31.0 || .455 || .371 || .867 || 7.1 || 1.5 || .7 || .5 || 18.2

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| All-Star

| 1 || 1 || 25.9 || .462 || .167 || — || 7.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 13.0

{{s-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2022

| style="text-align:left;"| Cleveland

| 2 || 2 || 32.6 || .484 || .438 || 1.000 || 6.0 || .0 || 2.5 || .5 || 19.5

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career

| 2 || 2 || 32.6 || .484 || .438 || 1.000 || 6.0 || .0 || 2.5 || .5 || 19.5

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"|Arizona

| 37 || 37 || 30.8 || .492 || .423 || .835 || 7.2 || .9 || .4 || .5 || 15.6

{{s-end}}

• Fastest player to reach 100 career three-pointers (41 games){{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975390|title=LaVine gets 18, Bulls end Miami's 7-game win streak, 119-111|work=ESPN.com|date=15 January 2018|access-date=15 January 2018|quote=Markkanen made his 100th career 3-pointer in his 41st game, the record for fastest to get to 100 in NBA history.}}
• Most consecutive games with a made three by a seven-footer (48 games){{Cite web |title=Lauri Markkanen 2022-23 Game Log |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/markkla01/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}
• The only player in NBA history with 100 dunks and 200 threes in a single season{{Cite web |title="It's Just The Beginning" {{!}} Markkanen Continues Breakout Season By Making NBA History |url=https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/its-just-the-beginning-markkanen-continues-breakout-season-by-making-nba-history |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}

He is the son of Pekka{{Cite news|last=Deak|first=Christopher|date=9 November 2016|title=Household rivalry: Lauri Markkanen poised to emerge as best in family|work=The Daily Wildcat|url=https://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2016/11/household-rivalry-lauri-markkanen-poised-to-emerge-as-best-in-family|access-date=12 May 2017}} and Riikka Markkanen (née Ellonen), who both were professional basketball players,{{cite web|last1=McCullough|first1=Drew|title=11 things you don't know about Arizona Wildcats star Lauri Markkanen, a projected NBA lottery pick|url=http://tucson.com/sports/arizonawildcats/things-you-don-t-know-about-arizona-wildcats-star-lauri/collection_7589a330-e4c9-11e6-b05c-032676a91fd6.html|website=Arizona Daily Star|access-date=11 July 2017|date=21 June 2017}} and has two brothers, former professional basketball player Miikka and professional footballer Eero. In February 2018, Markkanen and his wife Verna Aho had a son together.{{cite web |title=Seiska: Lauri Markkaselle poikavauva |url=https://www.is.fi/koripallo/art-2000005548083.html |website=is.fi |access-date=26 June 2018 |language=fi |date=1 February 2018}} In October 2020, their second child was born.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-lauri-markkanen-announces-birth-second-child|title=Lauri Markkanen announces birth of second child

|first=Rob|last=Schaefer|website=NBC Sports Chicago|access-date=18 September 2021|date=28 October 2021}}

After he was drafted in 2017, Markkanen signed a multi-year sponsorship shoe deal with Nike.[https://yle.fi/a/3-9715859 Nyt puhutaan isoista summista! - Nike-urheilujätti kiinnitti Lauri Markkasen vuosiksi eteenpäin], Yle, Timo Uusitalo, 10 July 2017 In December 2023, Markkanen signed an extended and upgraded deal with Nike, including customized personal edition shoes, featuring "LM23" and "Finnisher" on each heel.[https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/report-jazz-lauri-markkanen-signs-extension-nike Report: Jazz's Lauri Markkanen signs multiyear extension with Nike], Sports Illustrated, Jared Koch, 14 December 2023[https://www.iltalehti.fi/koripallo/a/b7f3c413-cdfe-467c-ad4a-0d131327cbe0 Lauri Markkanen teki urheilubisneksen historiaa – Tässä on miljoonadiilin todellinen tausta: "Isoimpia koskaan"], Iltalehti, 13 January 2024

Markkanen began his compulsory military service on April 17, 2023, at the military base of Santahamina in Helsinki, Finland. He finished his service on September 29, 2023.{{cite news |last=Saarela |first=Anni |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Lauri Markkasen asepalvelus ohi|work=Ilta-Sanomat |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/koripallo/a/0456a441-4e54-4f5f-acbf-c7320044a398| language=Finnish |access-date=October 2, 2023}}

Markkanen is a fan of ice hockey, having played the sport casually with friends multiple times a week while growing up, and attends National Hockey League games when he is able to on the road.{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jazz-star-lauri-markkanen-hockey-231146641.html|title=

Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen is a hockey fan ‘free agent’ and is excited about the NHL coming to Utah|first=Sarah|last=Todd|website=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=8 October 2024|date=18 April 2024}} On 8 October 2024, Markkanen was a featured guest during the NHL expansion team Utah Hockey Club's inaugural game and joined owner Ryan Smith on the ice for the ceremonial opening puck drop.

• List of NBA career free throw percentage leaders

{{reflist}}

{{Portal bar|Sports}}

{{commons category|Lauri Markkanen}}

{{basketballstats}}

• [http://www.arizonawildcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313 Arizona Wildcats bio]

{{Utah Jazz current roster}}

{{navboxes|list=

{{2017 NBA draft}}

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{{Finnish Sportspersonality}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Markkanen, Lauri}}

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Category:2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup players

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