
Mark Medina is a veteran NBA reporter with over 15 years of experience covering the league’s biggest moments and personalities. Currently contributing to EssentiallySports, Medina’s career arc features in-depth coverage across major media outlets, including stints as a Lakers blogger at The Los Angeles Times (2010-12), Lakers beat writer for the LA Daily News (2012-17), and Warriors beat writer with the Bay Area News Group (2017-19). From 2019 to 2021, he extended his reach, covering the entire NBA with USA Today, before joining NBA.com as a national reporter through 2023. Medina’s reporting is shaped by a courtside presence at countless games, playoff runs, and Finals, providing readers with insider perspectives and player insights. He is a regular voice on CBSLA, Fox Sports Radio, and Spectrum SportsNet, sharing analysis and breaking stories. Throughout the years, Medina remains a trusted source for basketball fans navigating the fast-paced world of the NBA.
Articles By Author
Why is Las Vegas NBA’s Smartest Expansion Bet? Summer League Exec Makes Strong Case (Exclusive)
An NBA Summer League executive makes a compelling case for Las Vegas as the league’s next expansion team after the Board of Governors’ latest move.

NCAA Tournament: NBA Execs, Scouts Deliver Verdict on Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer Ahead of Draft (Exclusive)
Mark Medina of EssentiallySports speaks to NBA personnel about how things are shaping up for Darryn Peterson and others ahead of draft.

Jordan Clarkson Reflects on Knicks Reduced Role and Powerful Memory From Kobe Bryant’s Last Game (Exclusive)
Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively spoke to Jordan Clarkson ahead of his return to Utah. He also reminisced Kobe's last game.

Jayson Tatum Comeback: Orthopedic Experts Analyze Celtics Star’s Return 10 Months After Achilles Injury
Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively spoke to a orthopedic experts, ahead of Jayson Tatum's sensational NBA return.

Trey Murphy III Opens Up on Shoulder Injury, Grueling Physical Therapy, Zion Williamson’s Injury Battle & Derik Queen’s Growth (Exclusive)
Trey Murphy III breaks down his shoulder recovery, Zion Williamson’s improvement and Dereck Queen’s development. Open now to read more.

“Got About 307 Jumps Left”: DeAndre Jordan Jokes About Vet Status, Talks Chris Paul Retirement, Mentoring Zion Williamson and Derik Queen
In an exclusive with EssentiallySports, DeAndre Jordan thanks Chris Paul, opens up on accountability, and life after Lob City.

Wolves’ Donte DiVincenzo Opens Up on Chemistry With Anthony Edwards, Playing Through Broken Nose & More (Exclusive)
In an Exclusive with EssentiallySports, Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo talked about his expanded role, playing through a broken nose, and more.

Orlando Magic’s Jalen Suggs Opens Up on Injuries, Paolo Banchero’s Season & Franz Wagner’s Mindset (Exclusive)
Jalen Suggs spoke to EssentiallySports about his season, the battle with injuries and the team's stars Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Pat Riley Calling Him GOAT, Bold ’85 Finals Challenge and ’88 Championship Guarantee (Exclusive)
In an Exclusive with EssentiallySports, Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar opened up about Pat Riley and how he handled his various coaching approaches.

Ahead of Pat Riley’s Statue Unveiling, Mychal Thompson, Jamaal Wilkes and Gary Vitti Look Back at Showtime Lakers (Exclusive)
Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively spoke to Mychal Thompson, Jamaal Wilkes, and Gary Vitti before Pat Riley's statue unveiling.

Max Christie Gets Honest About Anthony Davis Trade, Kyrie Irving’s Leadership and Cooper Flagg’s ROY Chances (Exclusive)
Max Christie opens up to EssentiallySports about his development, the 3-point contest snub, Flagg’s ROY case, and more.

Courtside Report: LeBron James Stoic on Retirement Question, Intuit Dome and More Ahead of 2026 NBA All-Star Game
LeBron James calls Intuit Dome a “road game” and gets candid about retirement and the Lakers’ season: read more to find out why
