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. 2D AGO

    Clippers' Disaster & The Lakers’ Next Man Up

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a somber night in Inglewood as the Clippers' season comes to an abrupt end at the hands of a familiar rival. Then, we look ahead to the weekend as the Lakers prepare to start their title defense against the Rockets while navigating a growing injury report. Segment One: Clippers vs. Warriors Recap and the End of the Season The LA Clippers saw their 2025-26 campaign end on Wednesday night with a 126–121 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament at the Intuit Dome. A Heartbreaker at the Dome: Grant reacts to the Clippers blowing a 12-point second-half lead. Despite the Warriors' stars being on a 40-minute restriction, Steph Curry’s late-game heroics proved to be too much for a Clippers defense that struggled to get stops in crunch time. Ty Lue’s Final Assessment: We hear from Tyronn Lue, who was visibly frustrated during the postgame presser. Lue addressed the season's inconsistencies and the difficulty of finding a rhythm with constant roster shifts, though he praised the "fight" of his players until the final buzzer. The Offseason Question: Grant analyzes Kawhi Leonard’s quiet 19-point performance and what this early exit means for the future of the franchise. With the Clippers missing the true playoff bracket for the second straight year, the conversation now turns to whether this core has reached its ceiling. Segment Two: Lakers Practice and the Game 1 Outlook vs. the Rockets The Los Angeles Lakers held a high-intensity practice on Thursday morning as they prepare for Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. The Luka and Austin Void: Grant discusses the atmosphere at practice with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves officially ruled out for the start of the series. JJ Redick told the media that while losing two primary ball-handlers is a "massive challenge," the team’s defensive identity hasn't changed. Focusing on the Frontcourt: We hear from LeBron James and Luke Kennard, who both emphasized that the Lakers will need to play "bully ball" to neutralize Houston’s speed. Redick’s Strategic Shift: Redick hinted at a rotation that leans heavily on Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard to provide the spacing needed for LeBron to operate. The message from the Lakers' camp is clear: the road to a repeat is harder now, but the standard remains championship or bust. 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

  2. 4D AGO

    Win-or-Go-Home at the Dome

    Host Grant Mona previews a massive Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome. With the season on the line, we go inside the final practices for both the Clippers and the Warriors as they prepare for a high-stakes 9-vs-10 Play-In clash. One team looks to protect its new home, while a dynasty looks to prove it has one more run left in the tank. Segment One: Clippers Practice and the Status of Kawhi Leonard The Los Angeles Clippers (42–40) held their final full practice today before hosting the Warriors in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. After a rollercoaster finish to the regular season, the focus in Inglewood is squarely on health and defensive intensity. The Kawhi Question: Grant reacts to the scene at practice where Kawhi Leonard was a participant after being rested in the season finale. Following his earlier comments about the team no longer being "contenders," Kawhi looked locked in today, though the coaching staff remains cautious about his workload. Ty Lue’s "Toddler" Mentality: We hear from Tyronn Lue, who doubled down on his competitive philosophy. Lue told the media, "I don’t care if it’s young guys, veterans, or toddlers on the floor—we’re playing to win." Lue discussed the challenge of facing a veteran Warriors squad and why he believes the Clippers’ culture of "gritting out" tough starts will pay off in a single-elimination setting. X-Factors: Grant highlights John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanović, both of whom took extra reps today. With the Warriors’ size in the frontcourt, Collins’ activity on the boards will be the key to the Clippers' transition game. Segment Two: Warriors Practice and the Minutes Restriction Debate The Golden State Warriors (37–45) have been in Los Angeles since Saturday, treating this trip like a business mission. However, the news coming out of their practice today at a local facility has raised some eyebrows regarding their strategy for tomorrow. The 40-Minute Cap: Grant breaks down the shocking admission from Steve Kerr, who revealed that Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford will all be on medical minutes restrictions for the Play-In game. Kerr noted that none of the three are expected to exceed 40 minutes, a decision reportedly handed down by the medical staff to prevent re-injury. Curry’s Perspective: We hear from Steph Curry, who downplayed the restrictions. Curry emphasized that while he wants to be on the floor for every second of a "do-or-die" game, he trusts the process. "We've been in these spots before," Curry told reporters. "It’s about making those minutes count and not letting the game get away from us early." 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 Prep for Rockets & Clippers’ Play-In Reality

    The Sporting Tribune Today: Postseason Prep & The Play-In Gauntlet Host: Grant Mona Date: April 13, 2026 Episode Description Host Grant Mona breaks down the fallout from the final day of the NBA regular season. While the Lakers dominated the desert to fine-tune their engine for the first round, the Clippers faced a harsh reality check in their finale that complicates their path through the Play-In tournament. Segment One: Tuning Up for Houston | Lakers Handle the Jazz The Los Angeles Lakers closed their regular season on a high note Sunday with a convincing 131–107 victory over the Utah Jazz. Despite the dominant score, the shadow of the injury report looms large over a 53-win season. LeBron’s Sprint: Grant reacts to LeBron James, who put up 18 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in just 17 minutes of action before being shut down for the second half as a precaution. The "Ayton-Hachimura" Connection: With the stars resting, Deandre Ayton (22 pts, 10 ast) and Rui Hachimura (22 pts) led the charge, showcasing the depth JJ Redick will rely on in the weeks to come. Redick’s First Round Outlook: We hear from JJ Redick as the Lakers officially draw the Houston Rockets in the 4-vs-5 matchup. Redick addressed the absence of Luka Dončić (Grade 2 hamstring) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 oblique), stating the team has spent the last six weeks building the habits necessary to win without their top scorers. Segment Two: Dome Deflation | Clippers Stumble Into the Play-In The regular-season finale did not go as planned for the Los Angeles Clippers, who fell 118–109 to the Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome on April 12th. The loss adds a layer of uncertainty to a team already navigating a shifting identity. New Injury Concerns: Grant analyzes the fallout from a "new injury" for Kawhi Leonard, which kept him limited in a game where the Clippers desperately needed his gravity. Ty Lue reacted to the loss by emphasizing that regardless of who is on the floor—"young, old, or toddlers"—the standard of winning doesn't change. The Play-In Trap: By dropping the finale, the Clippers miss out on a chance to climb higher and must now navigate the Play-In Tournament. Grant discusses the mental hurdle of a 6–21 start to the season and whether Ty Lue’s "I like my chances in a series" bravado can translate to a win-or-go-home scenario. 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

    Game 82 and the Dodgers on a Roll

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a high-stakes Sunday in Los Angeles as the NBA regular season reaches its fever pitch. We look at the diverging paths for the Lakers and Clippers on Game 82, before shifting to Dodger Stadium, where the bats stayed hot on a Saturday night in April. Segment One: The Final Countdown | Lakers, Clippers & The Play-In Trap It all comes down to today. With the 2025-26 NBA season concluding, the hierarchy in Los Angeles is split between a team resting for a deep run and a team fighting for their postseason life. The Lakers’ 3-Seed Lock: After clinical wins to close out the week, the Los Angeles Lakers (52-29) have officially secured the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Grant discusses why JJ Redick is likely to rest the stars tonight against the Utah Jazz, with a first-round home-court advantage already in the bag. Clippers’ Play-In Reality: Over at the Intuit Dome, the situation is far more dire. Following a deflating loss to Portland on Friday, the LA Clippers (41-40) are currently tied for the 8th spot with the Trail Blazers. Tonight's matchup against the Golden State Warriors is effectively a playoff game. The Stakes: A win tonight keeps the Clippers in the "two-chance" Play-In tier. A loss, coupled with a Portland win, could drop them into the "win-or-go-home" 9th vs. 10th seed bracket. Grant analyzes the tension in the locker room and whether Kawhi Leonard can find one more "vintage" performance to save the season. Segment Two: Lone Star Lockdown | Dodgers Handle the Rangers The Los Angeles Dodgers moved to 11–3 on the young season with a methodical 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium. Early Offense: Grant reacts to a 4-run 3rd inning that put the game out of reach early. Shohei Ohtani continued his torrid start with a two-RBI double, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman combined for four hits at the top of the order. Sheehan’s Growth: Emmet Sheehan earned the win, scattering five hits over six innings. Grant breaks down why Sheehan’s improved command of his slider has made him a legitimate weapon in the middle of this "Super-Rotation." Roberts’ Postgame Take: We hear from Dave Roberts, who praised the team's "relentlessness." Despite a late Rangers rally, Roberts highlighted the defensive stability and the bullpen's ability to shut the door in the 9th. 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. APR 10

    Biggest Game of the Clippers Season & An Anaheim Ducks Update

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a sobering night at the Intuit Dome where the Clippers' defensive identity went missing against the West's best. Then, Zach Cavanagh joins the show to discuss an Anaheim Ducks team that is suddenly reeling as they head toward the finish line of the 2026 season. Segment One: Thunder Strike the Dome | Clippers Fall to 41–39 The Los Angeles Clippers couldn't find an answer for the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, falling 128–110 in front of a frustrated home crowd. The Chet Holmgren Show: Grant reacts to Chet Holmgren’s dominant 30-point, 14-rebound performance. Holmgren outworked the Clippers' frontcourt, leading a Thunder squad that has now joined the ranks of the 1996 Bulls and 2016 Warriors with their historic 64th win. Kawhi’s Lonely Night: Kawhi Leonard finished with a team-high 20 points, but Grant analyzes why the offense felt stagnant. With the Thunder shooting nearly 50% from the field, the Clippers' defense was "like a sieve," giving up 65 points in the first half alone. The "Toddler" Philosophy: Grant revisits Ty Lue’s recent fiery comments. While Lue insists he’d play "toddlers" if it meant winning, the reality is that the Clippers are now 41–39 and teetering on the edge of a dangerous Play-In matchup. Segment Two: Ducks in the Danger Zone with Zach Cavanagh Zach Cavanagh takes over the mic to break down a troubling stretch for the Anaheim Ducks (41–32–5), who are currently mired in a six-game losing streak. The Gauthier Gap: Zach provides an injury update on star rookie Cutter Gauthier. After missing the last three games with an upper-body injury, Gauthier remains unavailable for tonight’s matchup against San Jose. Zach explains how his 38-goal absence has completely derailed the power play. Defensive Leaks: Zach analyzes the recent "pillow fight" for playoff positioning. Despite ranking 3rd in the Pacific, the Ducks' goal differential has plummeted to -19. Zach discusses whether Lukas Dostal (29 wins) is being left out to dry by a young defensive core that has struggled with turnovers. Looking Ahead: With only four games left in the regular season, Zach looks at the "must-win" nature of tonight’s Freeway-adjacent clash with the Sharks at the Honda Center. 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. APR 8

    Hail to the Victors & The California Climb

    Host Grant Mona reacts to a landscape-shifting Monday and Tuesday. We start with the scenes in Indianapolis as Dusty May’s Michigan Wolverines reach the mountaintop, before returning to the West Coast to break down a vital weekend for the Clippers and a shootout thriller for the Kings. Segment One: "Hardest Playing Team in Basketball" | Michigan Wins It All The Michigan Wolverines are national champions! In a tactical masterclass, Michigan defeated the UConn Huskies 69–63 on Monday night to claim the 2026 National Title. The Lendeborg Legacy: Grant reacts to the postgame presser from Dusty May and tournament breakout star Lendeborg, who played through a sprained MCL and rolled ankle to secure the title. Lendeborg's blunt assessment: "We're the hardest-playing team in basketball. We are the best team in college basketball, and we want to be one of the greats ever. Mission accomplished." Defensive Clinic: Analysis of how Michigan held the high-powered UConn offense to just 31% shooting. Grant discusses Dusty May’s rapid turnaround of the program and why this Wolverines squad—which scored 90+ points in every tournament game leading up to the final—proved they could win in the mud when the trophy was on the line. Segment Two: California Postseason Push | Clippers & Kings Stay Alive It was a high-stakes 48 hours for the pro teams in Los Angeles as playoff positioning comes down to the wire. Clippers Statement in Sacramento: Over at the Golden 1 Center on April 5th, the LA Clippers dismantled the Sacramento Kings 138–109. Kawhi’s Response: Kawhi Leonard (26 points) addressed the recent "contender" chatter, emphasizing that despite roster changes, the goal remains building daily. Ty Lue’s Focus: We hear from the head coach on the team’s late-season surge: "I feel confident in our players. Our goal is to make the playoffs, and if we get there, anything can happen." Kings Edge Predators in the Shootout: Back at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night, the Los Angeles Kings tightened the Western Conference race with a gritty 3–2 shootout win over the Nashville Predators. Kempe’s Clutch Gene: Reaction to Adrian Kempe, who netted the lone shootout goal to secure the vital extra point. Locker Room Grit: We hear from Jim Hiller and the Kings veterans on the importance of the two points as they move into sole possession of the final playoff spot. The message: "In April, style points don't matter—only the result." 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. APR 2

    Lakeshow Hits 50 & Clipper Chaos

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a Tuesday night that solidified the hierarchy in Los Angeles. While the Lakers reached a massive season milestone behind a balanced attack, the Clippers' identity crisis hit a new low against a team they should have handled with ease. Segment One: The Lakers Reach 50 Wins The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers 127–113 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, marking their 10th consecutive victory and their 50th win of the season. Balanced Dominance: Grant reacts to the scoring spread that saw seven Lakers in double figures. With Luka Dončić back from suspension and looking fresh, the Lakers controlled the pace from the opening tip. JJ Redick’s "Slices of Pizza": We hear from the head coach, who remains characteristically focused despite the streak. Redick revisited his famous analogy, telling the media that while 50 wins is great, there are still "a lot of slices of pizza left in the box" that this team hasn't touched yet in terms of their defensive ceiling. Seeding Watch: With the win, the Lakers (50–26) have officially put two full games of cushion between themselves and the Denver Nuggets for the 3rd seed in the West. Grant discusses why home-court advantage in the first round is now essentially a lock. Segment Two: "A Brutal Step Back" — Clippers Fall to Blazers In what Grant calls the most "deflating" loss of the season, the Los Angeles Clippers fell 114–104 to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Intuit Dome. The loss drops the Clippers to 39–37 and into a tie with Portland for the 8th/9th spot. Ty Lue’s Frustration: We hear from a visibly frustrated Tyronn Lue, who lamented the team's lack of "force" and defensive urgency. Lue addressed the uncharacteristic 18 turnovers that led to 24 Portland points, calling the performance "unacceptable" for a team fighting for playoff positioning. Kawhi’s Reality Check: Kawhi Leonard spoke bluntly about the team's current state. After recently questioning the team's title contention following the mid-season trades, Kawhi emphasized that "just getting to spots" isn't enough if the effort isn't there on the other end. The Play-In Trap: Grant analyzes the road ahead. With only six games left, the Clippers are now staring at a potential Play-In date with the Golden State Warriors. Is there enough time to fix the chemistry, or is the "it's over" sentiment starting to permeate the locker room? 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

  8. APR 1

    Lakers Crush the Wizards & A Reality Check at the Ravine

    Host Grant Mona breaks down a night where the Lakers proved they are more than just a one-man show, while the Dodgers’ pursuit of a perfect season came to a halt under the lights at Dodger Stadium. Segment One: "Praise-Worthy" — Lakers Roll Without Luka The Los Angeles Lakers moved to 49–26 on the season after a dominant 120–111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. Despite star guard Luka Dončić serving a one-game suspension for his 16th technical foul, the Lakers never blinked. Vintage LeBron: Grant reacts to a historic performance from LeBron James, who dropped 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. At 41 years old, James broke his own record for the oldest player to record a triple-double. JJ Redick’s Take: We hear from the head coach, who admitted he was "out of superlatives" for James. "I'll just say he’s very praise-worthy. I don’t know what else to say about him at this point," Redick told the media. Next Man Up: Grant highlights the contributions of Austin Reaves (19 pts, 9 ast) and Luke Kennard (19 pts), who ensured the offense stayed fluid. With this win, the Lakers sit 1.5 games ahead of Denver for the 3rd seed with seven games to play. Segment Two: The First Blemish — Sasaki’s Debut & Rushing’s Trust The Dodgers’ undefeated start ended on Monday with a 4–2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Grant analyzes the much-anticipated regular-season debut of Roki Sasaki and why this loss might actually be a long-term win. The Sasaki Report: After a shaky spring, Sasaki allowed just one run over four innings. Grant breaks down the "mental hurdle" Sasaki cleared after a nervous start. We hear from Roki Sasaki through a translator: "I actually didn't have the confidence at all when this game started... I was just focusing on doing what I can control." The Batterymate’s Bond: Backup catcher Dalton Rushing got the start behind the plate and provided the viral moment of the night, pumping up Sasaki during the walk in from the bullpen. Rushing told the media, "I told him it was just me and him... you were a really good pitcher for a long time in Japan for a reason." Roberts’ Outlook: Dave Roberts discusses the decision to pull Sasaki after 65 pitches and why seeing Roki "build true confidence" was the most important takeaway of the night, despite the final score. 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
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Arash Markazi Show
  • Show Website
    The Sporting Tribune Today