Donovan Mitchell Sounds Off on Lauri Markkanen's Success With Jazz

Donovan Mitchell didn't hold back when discussing Lauri Markkanen.

The NBA All-Star game is in Salt Lake City, and the big-event weekend has brought all of the league's stars to town. Donovan Mitchell is back, and he's applauding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen’s breakout season in his first year with the Utah Jazz.

“I’m honestly not shocked. I’ve known Lauri since high school," Mitchell said. “Lauri's been this type of player. I think he’s got an opportunity to do it on a national stage where he’s getting consistent playing time and a consistent role. He’s a hell of a player. I think this game, what did he have, 46 on five triples or something like that? To be able to do that, that’s impressive. To be able to lead his team in a lot of uncertainty for both ends—what was to come—for him to thrive in this role, I think that’s something that's truly special to see. I'm happy for him. He’s having a lot of success and [he's] an All-Star starter, so it’s been great to see.”

Former @Utahjazz guard Donovan Mitchell discusses Lauri Markkanen’s breakout season in Utah ahead of the #NBAAllStar game!#TakeNote | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/CaMvlpgQYg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 18, 2023

There’s still plenty of story left to be written on the subject, but both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz appear happy with the results of the Mitchell-Markkanen trade last summer. Markkanen is averaging 24.3 ppg on 51.3% shooting, both career highs. Mitchell is also having a career year, averaging 27.3 ppg, and will be representing the Cavaliers as a starter in Sunday night's All-Star game.

The pair will be on the same side of the court for the main event in Salt Lake City and expect both to be crowd favorites with a real possibility of either  getting the MVP award when it’s all said and done. Mitchell didn’t mince words when asked what his approach will be Sunday night.

“I’m not going to try and shoot every shot, but close to every shot," he said. 

Donovan Mitchell said it would be another “full circle” moment to win MVP tomorrow.

“I’m not going to try and shoot every shot, but close to every shot.”

— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) February 18, 2023

Wouldn’t that be something if Mitchell came away with the Kobe Bryant trophy in Salt Lake City?

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