Essentiallysports author
Mark Medina
21
Articles

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

Lakers’ Gabe Vincent Dishes on LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s Sacrifices, Role on the Team and More (Exclusive)

Gabe Vincent reflects on the Lakers’ early-season growth, team chemistry, and his shifting responsibilities! Exclusive on EssentiallySports.

Cooper Flagg’s Trainer on Mavericks’ Season So Far: “Absolutely Burns His Insides To Lose Games” [Exclusive]

Cooper Flagg's trainer spoke in detail about the Mavericks' rookie's start to NBA life and how he has navigated through the challenges.

Naji Marshall Gives Cooper Flagg Rave Reviews, Reveals Mavericks Locker Room Dynamics and More (Exclusive)

Exclusive: Naji Marshall details Cooper Flagg’s big night and the resilience powering Dallas through its toughest stretch of the season.

Jake LaRavia on Early LeBron James Impressions, Crushing Luka Doncic in Pickleball & More [Exclusive]

In an Exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, Lakers' Jake LaRavia opened up about his time in LA so far and how he one-upped Luka Doncic, among other things.

NBA Roundtable: Gary Vitti & Doctors On Injury Epidemic Headlined by Wembanyama and Giannis

Gary Vitti and medical experts explain why stars like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis are at risk in an exclusive discussion on the league’s injury crisis.

Lakers Insider Notes: How LeBron James Fared on Return to Lakers Practice, and the Road Ahead

Lakers Insider shares surprising details as the Lakers face major decisions ahead of LeBron James' return. The full story here.

‘He’s Buying Into Everything’: Jonas Valanciunas on Nikola Jokic’s Exemplary Mentality, MVP Case and More (Exclusive)

Jonas Valanciunas already knows his Denver Nuggets teammate Nikola Jokic is heading to win the MVP award amid a fiery start to the season.

UCLA’s Cori Close Discusses Championship Expectations and Lauren Betts’ Greatness (Exclusive)

Head coach Cori Close discusses what can be expected of UCLA this season, offering some valuable and heartfelt advice to Lauren Betts.

Exclusive: Bradley Beal’s Agent Mark Bartelstein Reveals Clippers Star’s Injury Details and Recovery Steps

Bradley Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein details the Clippers star’s hip surgery, recovery plan, and praise for the team’s medical staff.

Dyson Daniels on Challenging Victor Wembanyama For DPOY: “Not Really Sure How I’m Going to Beat Him, But It’ll Be Fun” (Exclusive)

In an Exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, Dyson Daniels opened up about his aspirations to become the DPOY after finishing 2nd last season, and more.

Exclusive: USC Trojans’ Lindsay Gottlieb Provides JuJu Watkins Update Amid ACL Tear Recovery

Amidst a season of transition, Lindsay Gottlieb opened up about JuJu Watkins and the rest of the Trojans in an Exclusive chat with EssentiallySports.

Aaron Wiggins on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “He’s More Vocal Than Ever” (Exclusive)

In an exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, OKC star Aaron Wiggins opened up on repeating as champs, his teammates, and more.
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