Lauri Markkanen has established a reputation as one of the most efficient seven-foot scorers in the modern era of the NBA. Known as "The Finnisher," his statistical trajectory reflects a rare combination of perimeter shooting and interior presence. As of April 2026, Markkanen remains a cornerstone of the Utah Jazz franchise, despite a challenging 2025-26 campaign that was shortened by a significant injury.

Quick Summary of Lauri Markkanen Career Stats

For those looking for a high-level overview of Markkanen’s impact on the court, his career averages across 492 regular-season games illustrate his growth into a premier offensive option:

  • Career Points per Game: 18.9 PPG
  • Career Rebounds per Game: 7.1 RPG
  • Career Field Goal Percentage: 45.8%
  • Career Three-Point Percentage: 37.0%
  • Career Free Throw Percentage: 87.1%
  • Major Accolades: 2023 NBA All-Star, 2023 NBA Most Improved Player (MIP), 2018 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2025-26 Season Breakdown: High Efficiency Amidst Injury

The 2025-26 NBA season was a period of statistical dominance for Lauri Markkanen before it was abruptly halted. Appearing in 42 games, he achieved a career-high scoring average, solidifying his role as the primary offensive engine for the Utah Jazz.

2025-26 Regular Season Averages

In his 42 appearances, Markkanen maintained an elite level of efficiency, particularly from the free-throw line and within the arc.

Category 2025-26 Season Stat
Points Per Game 26.7
Rebounds Per Game 6.9
Assists Per Game 2.1
Steals Per Game 1.0
Blocks Per Game 0.5
Field Goal % 47.7%
3-Point % 35.5%
Free Throw % 89.6%
Minutes Per Game 34.4

The Impact of the Right Hip Impingement

Markkanen’s season concluded following a game on February 23, 2026. Medical evaluations, including an MRI conducted on February 26, revealed a symptomatic right hip impingement accompanied by inflammation and a bone bruise. This injury prevented him from participating in the final stretch of the season, a significant blow to the Jazz's postseason aspirations. Despite the missed time, his scoring output (26.7 PPG) marked a significant leap from his previous career-highs, suggesting that he was entering his physical and technical prime at age 28.

How Many Points Does Lauri Markkanen Average per Season?

Tracing Markkanen's scoring evolution reveals a player who struggled with consistency early in his career but found a perfect stylistic fit in Utah.

The Chicago Bulls Era (2017–2021)

During his four seasons in Chicago, Markkanen showed flashes of "Unicorn" potential—a seven-footer who could shoot like a guard.

  • 2017-18: 15.2 PPG (Rookie season, set a record for the most three-pointers in the first three games of a career).
  • 2018-19: 18.7 PPG (His best statistical year in Chicago, including a stretch of 20-10 performances).
  • 2019-20: 14.7 PPG (A slight regression in a changing offensive system).
  • 2020-21: 13.6 PPG (Transitioned to a bench role at times, though his efficiency from deep improved to 40.2%).

The Cleveland Cavaliers Transition (2021–2022)

In Cleveland, Markkanen played as part of an experimental "Triple Towers" lineup alongside Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

  • 2021-22: 14.8 PPG and 5.7 RPG. While his volume was lower, his defensive versatility improved as he often guarded opposing small forwards.

The Utah Jazz Resurgence (2022–Present)

Since joining Utah, Markkanen has been the focal point of the offense.

  • 2022-23: 25.6 PPG (Career-defining season, earned MIP honors and All-Star selection).
  • 2023-24: 23.2 PPG.
  • 2024-25: 19.0 PPG (A slight dip in usage as the team experimented with younger lineups).
  • 2025-26: 26.7 PPG (Reached peak offensive volume before injury).

Advanced Shooting Metrics and Efficiency

Markkanen’s value is driven by his "True Shooting" (TS%) ability. He is one of the few players of his height to consistently threaten the 50/40/90 club (50% FG, 40% 3P, 90% FT).

Is Lauri Markkanen a Good Three-Point Shooter?

Statistics suggest he is elite for his size. In the 2022-23 season, he made 3.0 three-pointers per game at a 39.1% clip. By the 2025-26 season, while his percentage dipped slightly to 35.5%, his volume remained high, forcing defenders to stay attached to him on the perimeter, which created spacing for his teammates.

Free Throw Precision

Markkanen is a historically great free-throw shooter for a big man. His 89.6% mark in the 2025-26 season is nearly unprecedented for a player standing 7'1". This allows him to be a viable "closer" during clutch situations, as opponents cannot afford to foul him to stop easy baskets.

Physical Profile and Draft Status

Understanding the physical tools behind the stats is essential for context.

  • Height: 7'1" (216 cm)
  • Weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
  • Wingspan: Known for his high release point which makes his jumper almost unblockable.
  • Draft Information: Selected 7th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, then traded to the Chicago Bulls in the Jimmy Butler deal.

What is Lauri Markkanen's Career High in Points?

Markkanen has recorded several high-scoring performances that highlight his ceiling:

  • Career High: 49 points (Recorded during the 2022-23 season vs. Houston Rockets).
  • 30-Point Games: He has surpassed the 30-point mark dozens of times, including a 33-point performance against the New York Knicks early in his career where he made eight three-pointers, joining Dirk Nowitzki as the only seven-footers to achieve that feat at the time.

International Performance: Finland National Team Stats

Beyond the NBA, Markkanen is the undisputed leader of the "Susijengi" (Finnish National Team). His international stats often exceed his NBA averages due to the FIBA game's reliance on his versatility.

  • 2023 FIBA World Cup: He led Finland with dominant scoring displays, often averaging over 24 points per game in international competition.
  • EuroBasket 2022: Markkanen averaged 27.9 points per game, including a legendary 43-point game against Croatia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Lauri Markkanen's average PPG?

As of the conclusion of his 2025-26 stint, Lauri Markkanen’s career scoring average is 18.9 points per game. His most recent season average was a career-high 26.7 points per game.

How tall is Lauri Markkanen?

Lauri Markkanen is listed at 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm) tall.

Why did Lauri Markkanen stop playing in 2026?

He suffered a right hip impingement and a bone bruise in February 2026. The Utah Jazz announced he would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

Has Lauri Markkanen won any NBA awards?

Yes. He won the NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) award in 2023. He was also an NBA All-Star in 2023 and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018.

What teams has Lauri Markkanen played for?

Markkanen has played for three NBA teams: the Chicago Bulls (2017–2021), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2022), and the Utah Jazz (2022–present).

Conclusion and Statistical Outlook

Lauri Markkanen’s statistical journey is a testament to the "modern big man" archetype. After overcoming a stagnant period in Chicago, his move to the Utah Jazz unlocked a level of scoring volume that few anticipated. With a career-high 26.7 PPG in the 2025-26 season, he proved that his All-Star 2023 campaign was not a fluke but the new baseline for his performance. While the hip injury in early 2026 is a setback, his efficiency metrics—specifically his near-90% free throw shooting and high-volume perimeter scoring—ensure that he remains one of the most valuable offensive assets in the NBA. As he approaches the 2026-27 season, the focus will shift from his scoring volume to his health and longevity.