Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is facing a significant fine for missing mandatory military service in Finland in 2024.

SALT LAKE CITY — Lauri Markkanen's golden curls are gone. The Utah Jazz All-Star forward reported for military service in Finland earlier this week with a new doo and a new uniform.

Following his best season in the NBA yet, Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen reported to Finland on Monday to complete his mandatory military service.

"Finland has a highly capable military and has been an active participant in NATO-led operations; it also shares our values and strong democratic institutions," said the top U.S. diplomat.

Finnish soldiers take part in the military exercise Arrow 22 in Niinisalo, Finland on May 4, 2022. Finland's military will now have to shed its generations-old neutrality and self-reliance.

Having Finland in NATO will allow the alliance to better defend the Baltic states, but it's not expected to affect US troops directly.