The Sporting Tribune Today

The Arash Markazi Show
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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. 1D AGO

    Luka’s 51-Point Masterpiece & The Rams’ New No-Fly Zone

    Segment One: The Luka Special & The Contender Conversation The Los Angeles Lakers kept the momentum rolling on Thursday night with a high-octane 142–130 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Grant reacts to a truly historic performance from Luka Dončić, who exploded for 51 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, marking his first 50-point game since joining the Purple and Gold. Grant argues that despite the early-season noise, the Lakers (now 41–25) must be viewed as legitimate title contenders. The Return of the King: LeBron James looked fresh in his return from a three-game injury absence, chipping in 18 points and allowing the offense to breathe. The Support System: With Austin Reaves dropping 30 and Deandre Ayton notchng his 20th double-double, Grant breaks down how the Lakers' depth is finally matching their star power. Standings Watch: With this win, the Lakers have leapfrogged the Rockets for the 3rd seed in the West. Grant explains why their current four-game win streak is a warning shot to the rest of the league. Segment Two: The "KC Rams" Secondary Speaks We head over to Woodland Hills for the introductory press conference of the Rams' two biggest defensive acquisitions: All-Pro Trent McDuffie and cornerback Jaylen Watson. The two former Chiefs teammates shared their excitement about reuniting in Los Angeles to fix a secondary that was the team's "Achilles heel" last season. Key Quotes from the Podium: Trent McDuffie: "I feel like I genuinely understood what it takes to build a Super Bowl team... bringing me in, the end goal is the Lombardi Trophy. Everything we can do to bring it back to this city is what I'm going to do." Jaylen Watson: On the "full-circle" moment of playing with McDuffie again: "His strengths are short-area quickness and small, shifty guys, my strengths are guarding the bigger receivers, so we should be pretty diverse... we should be able to match up well against a lot of different teams." 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. 2D AGO

    Lakers Are Back & Team USA’s WBC Crisis

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a night of defensive dominance for the Purple and Gold before shifting gears to the diamond, where Team USA finds themselves in a self-inflicted nightmare at the World Baseball Classic. Segment One: "This Group is Starting to Get It" The Los Angeles Lakers secured a massive 120–106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, completing a season sweep of the team that bounced them from the playoffs last year. Grant brings you the postgame audio from JJ Redick, who praised the team's "play control" and a defense that forced Anthony Edwards into a miserable 2-of-15 shooting night. We also hear from Luka Dončić, who notched his 89th career triple-double, and Austin Reaves, who exploded for 29 second-half points. The message from the locker room is clear: even without LeBron James, this team believes they have finally "turned the tide" defensively. Segment Two: DeRosa’s Math & Team USA’s WBC Gaffes The star-studded Team USA roster is sweating out a quarterfinal berth after a shocking 8–6 loss to Italy, and Grant isn't holding back. He breaks down the "egregious" gaffe by manager Mark DeRosa, who went on MLB Network hours before the game and claimed the U.S. had already "punched their ticket," leading him to bench stars like Bryce Harper and Cal Raleigh. 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. 3D AGO

    A Clipper Surge & The "Luka-Reaves" Era?

    Host Grant Mona dives into a pivotal 24 hours for Los Angeles basketball. While the Clippers are finally finding their rhythm with their new-look backcourt, the Lakers are showcasing a perimeter duo that has completely transformed their ceiling in the Western Conference. Segment One: Clippers Reach .500 Behind Leonard and Garland The Los Angeles Clippers have officially climbed back to level ground (32–32) after a gritty 126–118 win over the New York Knicks at the Intuit Dome. Grant breaks down the postgame reactions from Tyronn Lue, who praised the team's resilience after their early-season struggles. We hear from Kawhi Leonard (29 points) on his growing chemistry with Darius Garland, who put up 23 points and 7 assists. Garland shares his perspective on the offensive flow and how playing alongside a "serial scorer" like Leonard has simplified his transition to LA. Segment Two: The State of the Lakers & the "Luka-Reaves" Duo Grant reacts to the Lakers' dominant 120–106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Despite LeBron James being sidelined, the Lakers moved to 40–25 and pulled into a tie for 4th place in the West. 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

  4. 4D AGO

    Bruins Win Rivalry Game & The Rams’ New Lockdown Secondary

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a weekend of dominance for the Blue and Gold and a massive roster overhaul for the Rams. From a gritty rivalry win at Pauley Pavilion to a defensive transformation in Thousand Oaks, we’ve got you covered. Segment One: UCLA Sweeps the Season Series The UCLA Bruins finished the regular season on a high note, taking down USC 74–68 in front of a sold-out home crowd. Grant reacts to the postgame audio from a fiery Mick Cronin, who praises his team’s toughness and the development of Trent Perry and Eric Freeny during their first Big Ten campaign. We also hear from the players on the pride of keeping the "Victory Bell" (metaphorically) in Westwood and how this momentum carries them into the conference tournament as a dangerous sleeper pick. Segment Two: The "KC Rams" Transformation The NFL legal tampering period opened today, and Les Snead has officially turned the Rams' secondary into a reunion for the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl defense. Grant provides a "State of the Rams" address following two massive moves: the record-breaking extension for Trent McDuffie and today's free-agent signing of Jaylen Watson. Grant breaks down: The KC Connection: How the Rams paired McDuffie (who signed a historic 4-year, $124M extension on Sunday) with his former teammate Jaylen Watson, who agreed to a 3-year, $51M deal today. Snead’s Philosophy: We revisit Les Snead's comments on adding "All-Pros" and using free agency so the team isn't "desperate in the draft." Grant analyzes how spending over $200M on the secondary (including re-signing Kam Curl) signals an all-in push for Matthew Stafford’s MVP window. Draft Outlook: With the No. 29 pick traded away for McDuffie, Grant looks at how the Rams will pivot with the No. 13 overall pick and their remaining mid-round assets. 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

  5. 5D AGO

    Luka Outduels Brunson & The State of the Clippers

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a massive Sunday in Los Angeles, featuring a statement win for the Lakers and a critical look at the Clippers' identity as they enter the final stretch of the 2025–26 season. Segment One: Lakers Slam the Door on the Knicks The Los Angeles Lakers took down the New York Knicks 110–97 in an afternoon showdown at Crypto.com Arena. Grant reacts to Luka Dončić’s masterful 27-point, 10-rebound double-double, outshining Jalen Brunson in a clash of former teammates. We hear from JJ Redick on how the team’s defense—anchored by Deandre Ayton—held New York to just 49 points in the second half. Plus, locker room audio from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura as the Lakers move to 39–25, winning five of their last six. Segment Two: The State of the Clippers With roughly 20 games left, Grant takes the temperature of the Los Angeles Clippers. After a dismal 6–21 start to the season, Tyronn Lue’s squad has fought back to the 9th seed in the West (31–32). Grant analyzes the "new-look" roster following the blockbuster Darius Garland trade and the departure of Ivica Zubac. Is the high-variance offense centered around Kawhi Leonard and Garland enough to avoid the Play-In tournament? We look at the remaining schedule and whether Lue’s "35–20 the rest of the way" goal is still within reach. 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

  6. MAR 6

    Garland's Debut & Les Snead’s Plans for the Offseason

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a massive 24 hours for Los Angeles sports, from a clinical blowout at the Intuit Dome to a blockbuster trade that has the Rams officially back in "all-in" mode. Segment One: Clippers Coast Past the Pacers The Los Angeles Clippers secured their third straight win on Wednesday night, dismantling the Indiana Pacers 130–107. Grant dives into the postgame audio from Kawhi Leonard, who put up an efficient 29 points, and Darius Garland, who looked right at home in his first game in front of the LA crowd with 12 points and a handful of flashy assists. We also hear from Tyronn Lue on the team's defensive intensity and the historic moment for Norchad Omier, who became the first Nicaraguan to score in an NBA game. Segment Two: Before the McDuffie Megadeal In a look back at the calm before the storm, we revisit Rams GM Les Snead’s comments from the NFL Combine regarding his offseason strategy. Snead discusses his "macro philosophy" of using free agency to fill roster holes so the team isn't "desperate in the draft." Grant analyzes these quotes in the context of Wednesday's shocking trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. How did Snead’s hint about "addressing the secondary" turn into a blockbuster deal involving the No. 29 overall pick? We break down the masterplan to maximize Matthew Stafford's window. 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. MAR 5

    Lakers Rally for Third Straight Win & Bruins Stun No. 9 Nebraska

    Host Grant Mona brings you a high-energy Wednesday edition of The Sporting Tribune Today, capturing the pulse of Los Angeles sports after a night of massive statement wins. From a gritty fourth-quarter surge at Crypto.com Arena to a defensive masterclass at Pauley Pavilion, we’ve got all the locker room reactions. Segment One: Lakers Slam the Door on New Orleans The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a "rock fight" against the Pelicans, trailing by three heading into the fourth. Grant breaks down how a 17–7 run in the final six minutes secured the 110–101 victory. We hear from head coach JJ Redick on the team’s "balanced" defensive identity and star Luka Dončić, who led the way with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Plus, hear from the Lakers' supporting cast on how they held New Orleans to just 14 points in the closing stretch to keep their climb up the Western Conference standings alive. Segment Two: Mick Cronin’s Bruins Dominate the Top 10 In what Grant calls "the best they've played all year," the UCLA Bruins dismantled No. 9 Nebraska 72–52 in their home finale. We bring you the postgame presser from a rejuvenated Mick Cronin, who praises his team for shifting from their "worst defensive effort" to their "best." Freshmen standouts Trent Perry (20 points) and Eric Freeny share their thoughts on the intensity required to shut down a top-10 opponent and how this win officially cements their status as a dangerous out heading into the Big Ten Tournament. 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. MAR 4

    McVay’s Coaching Overhaul & Lakers Beat Pels, Clippers Beat Dubs

    It’s a loaded Tuesday edition of The Sporting Tribune Today! Host Grant Mona reacts to a wild night for LA basketball and gets you caught up on the latest from Rams camp as the NFL offseason shifts into high gear. Segment One: Sean McVay’s New-Look Rams Fresh off the NFL Scouting Combine, Rams head coach Sean McVay addresses the media regarding the team's finalized 2026 coaching staff and their approach to the upcoming free agency period. McVay breaks down the "intriguing" hire of Kliff Kingsbury as Assistant Head Coach and the return of Super Bowl champions Robert Woods and Brian Allen to the sidelines. Plus, Grant discusses McVay’s desire to bring back backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the challenge of navigating a secondary filled with pending free agents. Segment Two: SoCal Hoop Sweep A double-header of NBA reaction. First, we head to Crypto.com Arena to hear from JJ Redick ahead of the Lakers' 110–101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Redick discusses the evolution of the Lakers' offense around Luka Dončić and the need for consistency as they hunt for a top-six seed. Then, we flip the script to San Francisco, where Tyronn Lue reflects on the Clippers' massive 17-point comeback win against the Warriors. Lue shares his thoughts on Darius Garland’s debut and how the team's defensive adjustments stifled Golden State in the second half. 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
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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