Lauri Markkanen didn’t just inherit his basketball talent—it shaped him. Being the only Finnish player in the NBA now, he makes the land where winter nights are long and community bonds run deep, proud. His family’s influence wasn’t limited to the court; it was woven into the fabric of his character.

In a sport dominated by individual accolades, his story is a reminder: talent is nurtured, but family and heritage define the player. Markkanen’s journey proves that behind every outstanding athlete is a foundation of unwavering support. This was evident in his upbringing, where family values came first. So, come let’s meet his family.

Meet Lauri Markkanen’s family full of stars

Born on May 22, 1997, in Vantaa, Finland, this talented hooper is proudly Finnish in both nationality and ethnicity. And he comes from a family of athletes! His father, Pekka Markkanen, was a standout basketball player for Finland and even played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. A true champion, Pekka won three Finnish League Championships in 1987, 1997, and 1998 and was named Finnish Player of the Year in 1989. He also earned the title of Finnish Basketball Player of the Year three times—in 1989, 1993, and 1996.

Basketball talent runs deep in the family. Lauri’s mother, Riikka Markkanen (née Ellonen), also played basketball in her junior years and later helped her husband train Lauri in the sport. The athletic legacy extends to his siblings, too: Lauri’s brother, Miikka, has competed in Finland’s 1st Division for HoNsU BC Jyvaskyla. And the family’s sports influence doesn’t stop with basketball; there’s also a soccer player among them.

Lauri is the youngest in the family, with Miikka as the middle child and Eero as the oldest. Unlike his basketball-playing siblings, Eero took a different path as a professional soccer player, carving out a unique journey. Starting with Blackbird and Vihtavuoren Pamaus in Finland, Eero quickly gained recognition and, after a breakout season in 2014, joined AIK in Sweden.

He even moved to Real Madrid Castilla, though he never made it to the main team. Undeterred by setbacks, Eero’s resilience led him across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., before eventually returning to Finland’s Ykkösliiga with PK-35. His story reflects perseverance and ambition—a testament to how, for the Markkanens, sports is more than a career; it’s a family tradition.

“During Christmas, people always have traditions they do. We had a traditional thing where we played ice hockey and basketball. Whoever was in the house — grandparents, mothers — had to play. And everybody wanted to play,” Pekka said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. Well, Lauri isn’t just a player for his country, but also a true citizen.

“We take pride in it” – Lauri Markkanen fulfilling his national duties

In Finland, as in South Korea, military service is compulsory for men. According to the Finnish Constitution, every Finnish citizen has a duty to participate in national defense. Male citizens aged 18-60 are required to complete military service, while women have the option to volunteer. Lauri Markkanen fulfilled this obligation in the summer of 2023, dedicating his offseason to completing his mandatory service.

As a Finnish citizen, his decision to serve speaks volumes about his character—placing civic duty above the typical luxuries afforded to professional athletes. “It’s mandatory, we have to do it, but at the same time we take pride in it, too,” he says, showing a sense of responsibility toward his nation. While his commitment to the Utah Jazz is clear, so is his dedication to his homeland.

The Finnish military requires all able-bodied men to serve, and athletes like Markkanen often train in specialized programs, such as the Defence Forces’ Sports School. This facility prepares soldiers while accommodating their athletic careers. However, during the service, he learned how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and shoot a gun. The hooper also shared pictures on Instagram captioning, “Life lately.. 🫡 🪖.” Despite his promising career, Markkanen has always postponed service when basketball commitments arose. Blending military training with his sports career, his devotion to his country makes him a true Finn.