Birutis stays in Kaunas: contract with the breakthrough player is extended 0

Zalgiris Kaunas is already laying the foundations for next season. The Lithuanian champions have extended the contract with Laurynas Birutis for the 2024-2025 season with the option to work together in 2025-2026 season as well.

With the addition of head coach Andrea Trinchieri, the 26-year-old 213 cm player has moved to the starting center position. Under the Italian’s guidance, Birutis is Zalgiris’ third most valuable player in the EuroLeague, averaging 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 10.4 efficiency points during that stretch.

“I feel good here. Zalgiris is one of the best organizations in Europe, we have a great fan base, so the motivation to stay in Kaunas is high,” said Birutis. – I grew up in Zalgiris youth system. Although I didn’t get to the main team by the most direct route, I found my place here. It also gives me an extra boost.”

In the Betsafe-LKL championship, Birutis is Zalgiris’ top scorer and most efficient player. He averages 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 16.5 efficiency points per 18 minutes on the court.

“Our goal is to give Lithuanian players who care about Zalgiris and want to play in Kaunas the opportunity to develop at the highest level. Laurynas has had many good games this year, he had had some bad ones, but that is to be expected from a player who is still developing. I am happy that we will continue to have a player with an upward curve in the team,” said Zalgiris Head Coach Andrea Trinchieri.

Birutis made his first professional steps in Zalgiris Kaunas junior team and later was loaned to other Betsafe-LKL clubs. In 2018, while representing Siauliai, he was named the regular season MVP.

Birutis made his debut in Zalgiris’ main team in the 2018-2019 season and then spent two years with Monbus Obradoiro in the Spanish ACB League.