Teammates have noticed Lauri Markkanen’s hard training motivation and relaxed personality.
SpongeBob Forsberg,
Antti-Jussi Sipilä
NBA club according to Utah Jazz players Lauri Markkanen is, despite the superstardom, relaxed and nice company. The All Stars selection and the Athlete of the Year and Most Improved Player titles have not changed the Finn.
Center Walker Kessler told Urheilu that it’s fun to spend time with Markkanen. The men often play Angry Birds mobile game outside the field.
– Lauri is an incredible guy. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as humble as him. She definitely has a child inside her. Lauri is joking about something all the time, but he can also be serious, says Kessler.
Playmaker Chris Dunn has had time to follow Markkas before, because Dunn and Markkanen played together in the Chicago Bulls a couple of years ago. According to Dunn, Markkanen’s approach to basketball, already known as a good basket maker, has changed in Utah.
– Now he also has to lead the team and understand how to help the team. Lauri’s biggest task is to be the leader of this team. He has succeeded in the task excellently, says Dunn.
Under Markkanen’s leadership, the Jazz have pushed themselves above the playoff line, and have won their last four games. It has won no fewer than 13 of its last 17 matches.
Dunn emphasizes Markkanen’s strong training motivation.
– What he does affects the whole team. Everyone follows his example.
Walker Kessler agrees.
– We all look to Lauri as a model. He is extremely talented. We know how hard he works and what he does in games. We look up to him.
In addition to his role as a leader, Markkanen is Utah’s clear number one in power points (23.6) and rebounds (8.8) per game.
Markkanen also gets along well with the local media.
– We play with Lauri about Harry Potter, because he is a bit of a nerd like all of us. Lauri is fun to work with, editor of KSL.com Ryan Miller tells.
Salt Lake City Reporter Andy Larsen praises that the Finnish makeup star always finds time for journalists, to whom he is always friendly and respectful.
– Lauri is one of the easiest people to work with. He is down to earth and friendly. He’s a regular family man who lives in Utah, Larsen says.