Essentiallysports author
Mark Medina
33
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

Bilal Coulibaly Dishes on Trae Young Trade, Wizards’ Season and More (Exclusive)

Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly opened up to EssentiallySports about the Trae Young trade and his comeback from injuries, among other things.

“He’d Have His Own Rules”: Wizards’ Alex Sarr on Guarding Trae Young, Team’s Outlook, 2026 All-Star Case and More (Exclusive)

Washington's star forward, Alex Sarr, spoke to EssentiallySports about his growth as a player and the Wizards' season in general.

CJ McCollum Speaks About Atlanta Hawks Trade and Playoff Push (Exclusive)

CJ McCollum opened up to EssentiallySports about the sudden trade to Atlanta and how he's settled on a young team.

Collin Sexton Bats for Kon Knueppel’s Rookie of the Year Case, Praises LaMelo Ball’s Attitude and More (Exclusive)

Hornets star Collin Sexton opens up to EssentiallySports about the team dynamics and how the season has been so far in Charlotte.

Bucks’ Ryan Rollins Opens Up on Steph Curry Jersey Swap, Giannis Loyalty, and MIP Race (Exclusive)

Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee's breakout star, talks about the Bucks, his relationship with Giannis and much more in the exclusive chat with EssentiallySports.

Lakers’ Marcus Smart Speaks Candidly on Playing With LeBron & Luka, Defensive Struggles and More  

Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively speaks with Marcus Smart about teaming up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and planning in LA.

Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr on $240 Million Extension, Adjusting to Injuries, Tuomas Iisalo’s System, and More (Exclusive)

Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively speaks to Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. on the team's new systems and his game mentality.

Pistons’ Ausar Thompson Talks Defending Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham’s MVP Case, Reducing Fouling Tendencies and More (Exclusive)

Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively spoke to Ausar Thompson about teammate Cade Cunningham's MVP chances and gameday preparation.

“If the Season Ended Today”: NBA Insiders Debate Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper’s Rookie of the Year Credentials, Praise 2025 Draft Class (Exclusive)

Mark Medina of EssentiallySports exclusively spoke to NBA insiders about Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg and other Rookie of the Year prospects.

ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco Previews Victor Wembanyama vs SGA Christmas MVP Matchup, Revisits JJ Redick’s Best Booth Moments And More (Exclusive)

In an Exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, Ryan Ruocco gave his take on the budding rivalry between OKC & SAS, and more.

Doctors Advise Zion Williamson on Managing Injury Load After Latest Setback: “Can He Develop More of a Peripheral Game?” (Exclusive)

Pelicans star Zion Williamson has had an injury-riddled career so far. Medical experts discuss with EssentiallySports what he can do to get past it.

Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama Dishes on Topsy-Turvy 2025–26, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Draymond Green Trash Talk (Exclusive)

Santi Aldama shared exclusive insights with EssentiallySports about his beef with Draymond Green, the Grizzlies locker room, and more.
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