Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen, born on May 22, 1997, in Vantaa, Finland, is a professional basketball player known for his versatility as a forward-center. Markkanen honed his skills at Helsinki Academy before moving to the United States to play college basketball at the University of Arizona. In the 2017 NBA Draft, he was selected as the 7th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing 240 pounds, Markkanen is recognized for his shooting ability and scoring versatility. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated consistent performance, including an impressive scoring average of 27.7 points per game in the 2025 season. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 47.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.6%. In addition to scoring, Markkanen contributes across the board with averages of 6.96 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His defensive skills are reflected in his average of 1.04 steals and 0.43 blocks per game. Despite his offensive prowess, Markkanen has maintained a strong presence in the paint, scoring an average of 11.29 points in that area per game. Over the years, Markkanen has played for various teams, including the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, before joining the Utah Jazz. His jersey number 23 has become synonymous with his impactful presence on the court. With a career spanning eight years, Markkanen continues to solidify his position as a key player in the NBA.