The Sporting Tribune Today

The Arash Markazi Show
  • 4.5 (12)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to The Sporting Tribune Today hosted by Arash Markazi, and Grant Mona. Markazi spent over 15 years as a sports columnist at the Los Angeles Times, ESPN and Sports Illustrated. The podcast will be published Monday-Friday and will focus on the biggest sports stories in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii.

  1. 3D AGO

    Is Luka Dončić Unwatchable? Plus, The Ultimate Statue & Jersey Retirement Criteria

    Arash Markazi, Grant Mona, and Anwar Stetson are joined by Mykell Mathieu to break down a wild week in the sports world, from frustrating on-court antics to immortalizing legends in bronze. In Segment 1, the crew goes off on the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers following their baffling 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. Despite a 22-point, 15-assist night, Luka Dončić is under the microscope. The guys dissect the bizarre final play where Luka passed up a wide-open, game-winning look to defer to LeBron James at the buzzer. Even worse? The national media is officially turning on Luka. With analysts calling his constant complaining to the referees "unwatchable," Arash, Grant, Anwar, and Mykell debate whether Dončić's incredible talent is being overshadowed by a horrible viewing experience for the fans. In Segment 2, the conversation shifts to legacy. Fresh off the Lakers unveiling Pat Riley’s 8-foot bronze statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, the guys ask the tough questions: What actually makes someone worthy of a stadium statue versus just a jersey retirement? The crew breaks down the unwritten rules, the absolute non-negotiable criteria, and which current LA athletes are on track to be immortalized in bronze. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Bennedict Mathurin’s Star Potential, Clippers' Uncertain Future & Pat Riley’s Statue Unveiling

    In Segment 1, Grant dives into the complicated current state of the LA Clippers. Sitting at 27-30 on the season, the team is at a massive crossroads amid rumors of looming league punishments surrounding the Aspiration scandal, which could potentially void Kawhi Leonard's contract. However, there is a massive silver lining shining at the Intuit Dome: Bennedict Mathurin. Since arriving at the trade deadline, Mathurin has been an absolute revelation, including a 38-point showcase against the Nuggets. Grant breaks down why the 23-year-old’s elite isolation scoring proves he can be the franchise's next foundational star. In Segment 2, we shift from the future of LA basketball to its legendary past to honor the "Godfather of Showtime." We hear directly from Pat Riley following the long-awaited unveiling of his 8-foot bronze statue outside Crypto.com Arena. Grant plays the best audio clips from the Star Plaza ceremony, reacting to Riley’s moving speech about adversity, the iconic Giorgio Armani suit immortalized in bronze, and the unforgettable moments shared on stage with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Lakers' Heartless Loss to Celtics, Clippers' Post-Deadline Gamble & Dodgers Spring Training

    Are the Lakers pretenders or contenders? Arash Markazi and Grant Mona are joined by Mykell Mathieu to break down a packed week in Los Angeles sports. In Segment 1, the guys hold nothing back while dissecting the Lakers' brutal 111-89 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena. Despite solid scoring nights from Luka Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers were outhustled and outplayed by Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard. The crew discusses the harsh criticism surrounding the team's effort and whether this roster truly has what it takes to compete for a championship this season. In Segment 2, the conversation shifts to the other side of LA. The Clippers shook up the NBA at the trade deadline, shipping out James Harden and defensive anchor Ivica Zubac to get younger with Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Arash, Grant, and Mykell debate if this was a necessary reset or a massive mistake that leaves Kawhi Leonard on an island for the rest of the season. Finally, we wrap up with the boys in blue! Baseball is officially back, and we've got all the updates from Dodgers Spring Training in Glendale—from Shohei Ohtani throwing live bullpens to the newest additions making an immediate impact. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Lakers Edge the Clippers, Ty Lue's Tirade & UCLA's Comeback

    On today’s episode, Grant Mona breaks down key postgame reactions from Los Angeles basketball and college hoops. Segment One — Lakers After Win vs. Clippers Grant opens with the Lakers’ postgame interviews following their tight victory over the Clippers, where Luka Dončić scored 38 points with 11 assists and Austin Reaves added 29 in a 125–122 city rivalry win. JJ Redick praised timely contributions from Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton — including clutch baskets down the stretch — as the Lakers weathered a late Clippers rally. The hosts dissect the performance, how the Lakers controlled the final minutes, and what this says about their identity moving forward. Segment Two — Clippers & Bruins Reaction After Heartbreaker In the second segment, Grant recaps comments from Ty Lue, Brook Lopez, and Bennedict Mathurin after coming up short against the Lakers, focusing on defensive adjustments and leadership as they regroup. Then he pivots to college basketball with reaction to UCLA’s incredible comeback vs. No. 10 Illinois, where Donovan Dent hit a game-winning layup in overtime to lift the Bruins 95–94 after trailing by 23 points — the largest comeback over a top-10 opponent in school history. Guests reflect on Mick Cronin’s locker-room message and what the Bruins can build on after a historic rally. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  5. FEB 19

    Spring Training Starts for Dodgers & Clippers New Faces at Practice

    On today’s episode of The Sporting Tribune Today, Grant Mona connects two vibrant corners of the sports world — Dodgers Spring Training vibes with voices from camp, and Clippers All-Star Weekend reactions and practice insights as Kawhi Leonard leads the way. Segment One — Dodgers Spring Training with Roberts, Friedman, Díaz & Betts Grant opens with the latest from Dodgers Spring Training at Camelback Ranch, where Dave Roberts, Andrew Friedman, Edwin Díaz, and Mookie Betts have been setting the tone for the 2026 season. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized focus, consistency, and “looking forward” as the squad kicked off full-squad workouts, encouraging the group to ignore external expectations and lean into daily preparation. Roberts’ message included contributions from Díaz, Kyle Tucker, Miguel Rojas and others, highlighting the depth and experience assembled around Los Angeles’ championship core. Veteran closer Edwin Díaz, newly signed to anchor the bullpen, has talked openly about choosing the Dodgers because of their winning culture and recent World Series success, and Betts has embraced his role in camp with an eye toward another postseason run. The spring atmosphere — fueled by big names like Shohei Ohtani and fans flocking to workouts — reflects high expectations for a club chasing another title. Segment Two — Kawhi, Clippers Practice & All-Star Buzz In the second segment, Grant turns to the hardwood as he breaks down Kawhi Leonard’s post–All-Star Weekend perspective and Clippers practice comments from Ty Lue, Isaiah Jackson, and Bennedict Mathurin. Leonard, who starred during the All-Star festivities — including a 31-point outing highlighted by his clutch play — has embraced the spotlight and the new format, saying he’s “up for whatever grabs the attention of the consumer.” His continued elite production this season — with averages near the top of the league in scoring and impact — has made him one of the most talked-about players in a lopsided season for Clippers basketball. Head coach Ty Lue discussed the team’s evolving identity and how leaders like Kawhi help set practice standards, while young pieces like Isaiah Jackson and Bennedict Mathurin shared enthusiasm about growth, defensive focus, and building chemistry as the Clippers chase consistency in a competitive Western Conference. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  6. FEB 18

    LA All-Star Access & Dodgers Spring Training Vibes

    On today’s episode of The Sporting Tribune Today, your hosts — Arash Markazi, Grant Mona, and Anwar Stetson — along with guests Eric Lambkins II and Mykell Mathieu, bring you an inside look at two big baseball stories: covering the NBA All-Star Game as media, and the early Dodgers spring training atmosphere as teams ramp up for Cactus League play. Segment One — Behind the Scenes Covering the All-Star Game The group opens with a roundtable on what it’s like to cover the NBA All-Star Game as part of the media, sharing firsthand experiences from player availability, press access, and the energy of the event. They break down the buzz around player interviews, how All-Star Weekend feels from the press box versus the stands, and what moments stood out most — from surprise performances to memorable sound bites and storylines that defined the weekend. Segment Two — Dodgers Spring Training Vibes & Lambkins on Bortolow Contact In segment two, the conversation shifts to MLB as spring training gets underway. The panel discusses the feel of Dodgers camp, including the influx of 32 non-roster invitees mixing with established stars as Los Angeles prepares for another deep run. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the energy at Camelback Ranch as pitchers and catchers have already reported and early workouts begin, signaling that Opening Day is just weeks away. Eric Lambkins II also shares a unique angle on his contact with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., reflecting on the intersection of NFL history and current L.A. sports culture — giving a rare behind-the-scenes perspective that goes beyond the field (context on DeBartolo’s legacy as a five-Super-Bowl winning owner is a touchpoint for this conversation). Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  7. FEB 17

    Behind the Mic at All-Star Weekend & Why the New Format Shined

    On today’s episode of The Sporting Tribune Today, your hosts share their firsthand perspective on covering the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend as media, followed by a deep dive into the All-Star Game format and Kawhi Leonard’s standout performance. Segment One — Covering the All-Star Game as Media Arash, Grant, and Anwar open the show with an inside look at what it’s like to cover the NBA All-Star Weekend live — from player availability and buzz around events to the excitement of being on site at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. They talk about how the environment differed from previous years, the interaction with players and coaches during All-Star Media Day, and what stood out about player energy, fan engagement, and the broader vibe of this year’s festivities. Whether it was breaking news moments or candid locker-room reactions, the crew gives listeners a front-row seat to the weekend’s biggest stories. Segment Two — All-Star Game Format & Kawhi’s Performance In the second segment, the hosts break down the new NBA All-Star Game format, which featured a three-team round-robin tournament (two U.S. teams and a World team) and then a championship game — a shift designed to bring more competitiveness and meaning to midseason basketball. The format helped make this year’s showcase one of the most engaging All-Star Games in years, drawing some of the highest viewership numbers in over a decade. Amid this, Kawhi Leonard turned in one of the tournament’s most memorable performances, scoring 31 points and hitting a clutch go-ahead three to lift Team USA Stripes past Team World in a tightly contested matchup. His efficiency and impact — including a barrage of contested jumpers and six made triples — electrified the home crowd and underscored how the new format encouraged star players to compete hard throughout the event. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  8. FEB 16

    All-Star Voices: Kawhi, Luka & Konan Niederhauser at Media Day + Adam Silver’s Take

    On today’s episode of The Sporting Tribune Today, Grant Mona brings you the standout moments and media reactions from NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Segment One — Kawhi, Yanic Konan Niederhauser & Luka Doncic at All-Star Media Day Grant opens with insights from NBA All-Star Media Day, featuring comments from Kawhi Leonard, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and Luka Dončić as they prepared to represent their teams and fans at this year’s All-Star festivities. Kawhi Leonard — a seven-time All-Star — wowed the home crowd by exploding for 31 points in just 12 minutes during the Stripes’ round-robin game and sending his team into the All-Star final. His dominant scoring performance was one of the weekend’s headline moments. Luka Dončić, coming off a brief absence with a hamstring strain, discussed his preparation and excitement about returning to compete among the best. He talked about taking in the moment and what it means to be an All-Star for another season. Yanic Konan Niederhauser shared his perspective as a rising name on the All-Star stage, reflecting on growth, competition, and the energy around this year’s new All-Star format. The hosts break down how these stars are shaping the weekend’s narrative, the chemistry building among players, and what All-Star Media Day reveals about the personality and competitiveness players hope to bring to the showcase. Segment Two — Adam Silver at All-Star Weekend In the second segment, Grant explores NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s press availability, where he addressed the league’s ongoing efforts to refresh and strengthen the All-Star experience. Silver spoke about the revamped format — featuring three teams in a round-robin tournament — aimed at boosting competitiveness and viewer engagement. While discussions around adjustments and fine-tuning continue, Silver’s message centered on celebrating the game and showcasing stars in a way that keeps fans connected. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min
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About

Welcome to The Sporting Tribune Today hosted by Arash Markazi, and Grant Mona. Markazi spent over 15 years as a sports columnist at the Los Angeles Times, ESPN and Sports Illustrated. The podcast will be published Monday-Friday and will focus on the biggest sports stories in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii.

Information

  • Creator
    The Arash Markazi Show
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    601
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Arash Markazi Show
  • Show Website
    The Sporting Tribune Today