ALL-STAR GAME: TEAM GIANNIS VS. TEAM LEBRON

February 19, 2023

Lauri Markkanen

Team Giannis

Press Conference

Team Giannis - 184, Team LeBron - 175

Q. I know we talked about it a little bit yesterday, but what was it like getting picked last-last? Did it bother you at all?

LAURI MARKKANEN: You called it. Such a hater. I mean, I didn't really care.

You want to come over here?

I mean, I'm just glad to be a part of this whole experience. I didn't really care. But, I mean, he thought he was the last pick, so that's why he stood up so early and made me look even worse. I blame it on him.

Q. Your first All-Star experience was a long time coming. What were the emotions as you stepped on the court and started playing in the game?

LAURI MARKKANEN: Pretty surreal. I was excited to get out there. I don't feel the whole weekend -- I mean, yesterday I got to participate in the 3-Point Contest, but this is what we were waiting for. I was just happy to get out there and play with those guys.

Q. What was it like just representing the Jazz, being here in your hometown now that it's over? How does it feel?

LAURI MARKKANEN: It feels good. Like I said, it's just a great experience to be a part of, and I can't wait to be here again.

So now you rest a couple of days, and I'm excited to get back to work.

Q. Lauri, you kind of hesitated on that last shot, kind of like you didn't want to take it. Did you not want to take it? What was going through your head at that point?

LAURI MARKKANEN: I was thinking if I should go dunk it or shoot a three. Joel was trying to get me in the paint and go dunk it. That's why it took so long so shoot that three. It would have been cool to knock that one down, but we got the job done too.

Q. Lauri, with the draft being so shortly before the game, what was the situation like? Did you have to switch lockers because being in the West locker and Team Giannis? What was the situation like for you?

LAURI MARKKANEN: It was a pretty long wait in the back. It was worth it to get out there and get selected and just -- it was a pretty easy transition. They did a good job of moving our stuff from the other locker room to the other one. I've been in the visiting locker room here, so it was cool to see.

Q. Lauri, I'm a little curious here. Is it fun playing in a game with relatively no defense at all? Does it get a little just boring in a way, or is it fun playing a free-for-all like that?

LAURI MARKKANEN: Both. I mean, it's fun to kind of get out there and do some dunks and stuff like that. But we're all competitors. I think everybody would enjoy too if we just play against each other and it gets competitive.

Obviously, the game wasn't close at the end really, so it didn't get to that point. But both places, they have their good stuff about them.