Lauri Markkanen has had a great run in the NBA. The 25-year-old Finnish basketball star is a very well-rounded scorer and defender of the rim. When he first joined the league, he made for a very good role player and often found himself being the best athlete on the court. During these times, he proved to the entire world that he could lead a team with ease and stretch the floor when needed.
Lauri Markkanen, after being an underdog for several years with the Chicago Bulls, finally got a chance to break free from all the overshadowing. In 2021, he set sail on a new voyage that he captained. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers for one season and played alongside Andre Drummond and various others. As usual, Drummond would lead the team as their most experienced player. In 2022, the Utah Jazz took him under the wing of Will Hardy.
Lauri Markkanen is the FIRST player in NBA history to put up these numbers in a season 😮 pic.twitter.com/hbl4IVXhAZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 3, 2023
Lauri Markkanen finally broke free and lived up to the nickname that was given to him, the “Finnisher.” He earned himself his first-ever All-Star selection, averaging over 25 points and 8 rebounds per game. However, The Jazz fell short due to a weaker or incomplete supporting cast. Despite the shortcomings, the European still has a lot of time to bounce back up. But is his time in the NBA getting cut short?
Is Lauri Markkanen leaving the NBA?
Recently, news broke out that Lauri Markkanen will be going back to Finland to complete his mandatory military service period. According to the Bleacher Report, Markkanen said that it is compulsory that all men from Finland should complete their military service before the age of 30 and he might have to go back to Finland to fulfill this criteria. Finland is one among many countries that require its men to serve time in the military. Several other celebrities across the world have had to enlist in the military and put their careers to a halt.
Lauri Markkanen will serve in Finland’s military this offseason, which is mandatory for male citizens by age 30
(via @ramonashelburne) pic.twitter.com/xzOG35JUt6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 6, 2023
Ramona Shelburne says that Markkanen said, “It’s mandatory, we have to do it, but at the same time, we take pride in it, too. I think it sets an example to serve… And I’m confident I can do it in a way that it’s not going to affect my preparation for next season, either.” The Jazz forward also stated that he will serve at the Defence Forces Sports School, which is an institution built for athletes from the country to do their due diligence and continue training for their sports.
Bleacher Report claims that Lauri planned on completing his service last offseason as he had more time away from the NBA due to the Cavs missing the play-in tournament. However, he wishes to fulfill his duty this offseason and will most likely return full-fledged next season.
Markkanen may have ample time to work on basketball more intensively and learn the art of discipline to add it to his craft. However, the baller will not be leaving the NBA entirely.