Welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first part of our ampm series, where you can read Arash Markazi’s daily column in the a.m. and then listen to The Sporting Tribune Today in the p.m. The column, which can also be read on Yahoo Sports, and the radio show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. The radio show airs every weeknight on KIRN 670 AM (95.5 FM HD3) in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network, 95.1 FM and 760 AM, in Hawaii. The show is also available as a podcast through Westwood One Sports and iHeartRadio.

LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Wednesday:

1. The banner stared back at me as I looked up at the rafters of Crypto.com Arena Wednesday night during the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors. Right in the middle of the Lakers’ championship banners and retired jerseys that cover the north wall of the arena is the one for their 2000-01 championship.

I thought about that team as the Dodgers began to pick up steam towards the end of the regular season after winning the title the previous season, which was their first in a full season since 1988.

After winning the title in 2000 for the first time since 1988, the Lakers looked out of sorts for much of the following season while dealing with injuries. Derek Fisher missed 62 games while Kobe Bryant missed 14 games. But once they were healthy and had their starting unit of Bryant, Fisher, Shaquille O’Neal, Rick Fox and Horace Grant, they were unstoppable.

They won 15 of their last 20 games in the regular season, including their last eight straight going into the playoffs. Once they got to the postseason, they steamrolled all the way to a championship, compiling a 15-1 record with just one loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

What have the Dodgers done this year after dealing with injuries that placed Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki and Tyler Glasnow on the injured list for 330 combined days?

They won 15 of their last 20 games in the regular season, including their last five straight going into the playoffs. Once they got to the postseason, they steamrolled all the way to the World Series, compiling a 9-1 record with just one loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

It’s an eerily similar run and why I’m predicting the Dodgers will finish the postseason with a 13-1 record after sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays to win the World Series again. That’s not only my prediction now but what I told CBS’s Jim Hill during the NLCS.

Our Jim Hill caught up with @ArashMarkazi from @SportingTrib to get his thoughts on the Dodgers’ #Postseason run. Arash explains why he compares this team to the 2001 Lakers and shares a bold prediction for the rest of the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/0x1s04oW38

— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) October 17, 2025

2. The Dodgers didn’t just deal with injuries this season, they lead the major leagues for the second straight season in days on the injured list, which is a testament to their depth as they are on the cusp of becoming the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles.

The Dodgers used the injured list 37 times for 2,585 days this season, according to Major League Baseball. A few of the Dodgers that are helping the Dodgers this postseason that were on the injured list this season include Sasaki (137 days), Blake Snell (121 days), Blake Treinen (102 days), Emmet Sheehan (92 days), Tyler Glasnow (72 days) and Clayton Kershaw (60 days).

In total, eight of the 11 pitchers on the Dodgers’ playoff roster have had stints on the IL and that doesn’t include Shohei Ohtani not pitching for the Dodgers late June after undergoing major surgery that kept him off the mound for nearly 22 months.

It’s why the regular season really doesn’t matter when trying to figure out the Dodgers’ place in history if they win the World Series. This team we are currently watching must be in the conversation for the best team ever.

3. If the Dodgers do end up winning the World Series in Los Angeles in Game 4 or 5, it would be the first time the Dodgers have won the World Series at Dodger Stadium since 1963 (the stadium opened in 1962) and only the second time the franchise has ever won the world title on their home field.

The Dodgers won the 1959 World Series in Comiskey Park in Chicago, they won the 1965 World Series at Metropolitan Stadium in Minnesota, the won the 1981 World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York, they won the 1988 World Series at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, they won the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington and they won the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York.

The only time the Dodgers won the World Series on their home field was in 1963 when they swept the Yankees.

4. I’m not going to lie. I was pulling for a Dodgers-Mariners World Series. Why wouldn’t I? The West Coast World Series would have given the Dodgers home field advantage; it would have given the Mariners their first-ever trip to the World Series (they are still the only MLB team never to make it to a World series) and would have allowed more Dodgers fans to make the trip to see at least the first two games of the World Series. The cheapest roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Toronto for the first two games of the World Series is $1,500 with most decent hotels going for at least $500 per night. And that’s not even factoring the cost of a ticket to the game.

The average get-in price for Games 1 and 2 of the World Series in Toronto is $875 while the average get-in price for Game 3, 4 and 5 in Los Angeles is $900. That’s the cheapest ticket to get in the door.

5. Say what you want about LeBron James and how the Lakers are ready to turn the page and move on from the soon-to-be 41-year-old superstar in his record 23rd season but this Lakers roster as currently constructed is not built to do much of anything without James.

I’m not saying they are a championship team when he returns next month but they aren’t a playoff team without him and that much was evident in the way the Lakers looked and played on opening night in their 119-109 loss to the Warriors where they outscored 19-4 to start the second half. Luka Doncic looked like one of the favorites to win the MVP (he’s currently in the top three at most sports books along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jocic) as he had 43 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists but he didn’t get much help elsewhere outside of Austin Reaves, who had 26 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds. You never want to make too much out of the fiorst game of the season but it’s safe to say the Lakers aren’t going to do much this season without James returning and playing life his old self. Even then, the Lakers have to start thinking about building a contender around Doncic when James retires or leaves the Lakers, which could come as early as this this season.

6. The Super Bowl will likely be returning to Las Vegas in 2029 as the NFL is expected to announce that Super Bowl 63 will be played at Allegiant Stadium later this month. It would be Sin City’s second Super Bowl in a five-year span after hosting Super Bowl 58 in 2024 and confirm our earlier report that the league wanted to host the Super Bowl in Las Vegas regularly and include it in their rotation that also including sites in California, Florida and New Orleans.

During the Super Bowl in Las Vegas one league official went so far as to tell me, “Las Vegas is the perfect home for the Super Bowl.” What the league loves about Las Vegas is what many fans love about it as well. The footprint makes it one of the easiest Super Bowl cities to navigate. Most of the events surrounding the Super Bowl took place along the four-mile Las Vegas Strip. That means once you landed at Harry Reid International Airport and took a shuttle or rideshare to your hotel you could basically walk or take the monorail or tram to most of the events around town. Sure, you can also take a cab and get stuck in traffic, but you have options. Look for the Super Bowl to be in Las Vegas once every five or so years moving forward.

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first part of our ampm series, where you can read The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily column, in the a.m., and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today in the p.m. on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Tuesday:

1. I’m all for change when it comes to college sports. I love that athletes are getting paid now and some are already multi-millionaires before starting a single game. I’m all for the 12-team college football playoff and would be fine expanding it. I was even on board with the death of the old Pac-12, a conference that was a sinking ship and had lost its way after the glory days of the old Pac-10. Where I draw the line is trashing 100-year-old traditions like USC playing Notre Dame every year.

There have been multiple reports this week about this season’s USC-Notre Dame being the last in their current contract and how USC wants to move on from the annual rivalry game while Notre Dame wants a long terms extension. I talked to multiple USC officials this week and got some clarification on what’s happening:

- USC has offered a one-year extension for the Trojans and Irish to play at the Coliseum in 2026 while the two sides continue to work on a long-term deal. They are confident that game will be played as USC and Notre Dame celebrate the 100th anniversary of their first matchup in 1926, which also took place at the Coliseum.

- USC wants to continue to play Notre Dame beyond 2026 but would like to move the game to the start of the season where most teams play their big nonconference games. One USC official pointed to USC’s road game against Notre Dame this year on Oct. 17 being sandwiched between conference games against Michigan and Nebraska. The proposed game next season, much like in past years, would be played on the last Saturday in November after their conference schedule has already wrapped up and would be one week before the conference championship game.

My guess is the only way the annual USC-Notre Dame game survives beyond 2026 is if Notre Dame concedes to playing the game in early September as opposed to late October or November. The feeling I got from USC officials was that was going to be a non-starter for a program that has scheduled Missouri State and Georgia Southern to start this season and doesn’t plan on scheduling nonconference games after September moving forward.

2. Whenever people talk about Paul George being traded from the Thunder to the Clippers, the only name that is usually brought up is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It makes sense. He just won his first MVP at 26 and is a three-time All-NBA First Team player. But after the Thunder’s win over the Wolves on Monday, it was hard not to think of Jalen Williams, who the Thunder selected with one of the Clippers’ draft picks in the deal. Williams is already a All-Star and third-team All-NBA selection and scored a payoff-career-high 34 points to get the Thunder on the brink of the NBA Finals.

3. It was surreal to Shohei Ohtani back on the mound in New York, this time in a Dodgers uniform, as he faced hitters for the first time in nearly two years in a live batting practice at Citi Field. Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch for the Dodgers until the second half of the season but to see him throw 22 pitches over five plate appearances to three batters for the first time since his second elbow reconstruction surgery was a big moment for the Dodgers as they hope to have him back in the starting rotation in time for the postseason in October.

4. There’s a video of LeBron James dancing at his son’s high school graduation on TikTok and the reaction from his haters is both sad and hilarious. James suffered a MCL sprain during the Lakers’ last game of the playoffs on April 30. At the time, the feeling was he would likely be out 3-4 weeks if the Lakers had won, sidelining him for the rest of the first and second round. Here we are, 3-4 weeks later and haters are up in arms because he’s dancing at his son’s graduation party? So ridiculous.

5. Chris Taylor didn’t have to travel too far from home after the long-time Dodgers utility man was released on May 18. He signed with the Angels on Monday and started against the New York Yankees on his first day with team. Taylor, 34, went 0-for-3 but did make a sprinting catch in the ninth inning, showing both why the Dodgers released him and why he still has value for a team, looking for a regular centerfielder. While the Angels are the Dodgers’ Freeway Series rivals, there is no doubt a soft spot in the hearts of Dodgers fans for the Halos now after acquiring Taylor and Kenley Jansen.

6. While the Sparks are the best value for tickets in Los Angeles ($10 lower bowl tickets, $15 suite tickets for most home games), the Angels are the best value in Orange County and are in the running for best in all of sports. For Tuesday and Wednesday’s games against the New York Yankees, for example, you can get in the door at Angel Stadium for $8. Sure, you’re not home plate but the cheapest ticket to see the Yankees at Dodger Stadium this weekend is over $100 and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything for $8 with Dodger Dogs selling for $7.99 before taxes.

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first part of our ampm series, where you can read The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily column, in the a.m., and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today in the p.m. on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Monday:

1. I was never on “Around the Horn” but knew many of the panelists who were on the show and the one thing they all said was how nice Tony Reali was. Not in the low bar we sometimes have for people in the public eye where not being an asshole makes you nice in comparison but I’d hear stories of him being there for people dealing with things. I always thought about that while watching the show and then a few years ago while I going through a tough time Tony reached out to me.

"I hope you’re hanging in there, and with those who matter most to you. Something I think about often: you have no control over what others may think or do - you only have control over how you respond. So, I say to myself go where there’s kindness. It’s a “self-full” aim. I say self-full because we all can spend too much time beating ourselves up or chasing a fictional, hurtful version of ourselves other people have created; that is wasted energy. Go where the kindness is and be self-full."

It was a beautiful message from someone I had never met before and had a huge impact on me. It made me realize how much kindness and a simple message of support can mean to someone going through a difficult time. I never thought I would get such a profound life lesson from a sports talk show host famous for hot takes and a mute button but Tony isn’t your average host. He's one of the good ones and as he transitions from ESPN, I look forward to him going where the kindness is and being self-full.

2. The end of “Around the Horn” also got me thinking about Max Kellerman, the first host of the show. He was part of ESPN’s layoffs two years ago and hasn’t done anything in the public eye since – no social media posts, no interviews, no stories, nothing. I can’t think of the last time someone who was on TV and/or radio every day for as long as he was just disappearing like that. There have been multiple reports over the past two years saying he will be back soon but nothing yet.

I always liked working with Max when we were together at ESPN. He wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and rubbed some the wrong way but he didn’t deserve to be kicked on the way out the door by Stephen A. Smith the way he was. I talked about it with Jim Lampley, who told me. “I have genuinely lost sleep about what happened to Max and I can honestly say I don’t understand any of it. I never lost sleep over what happened to me but I have lost sleep about what has happened to Max. It’s not right.”

3. The WWE is smartly piggybacking off the MLB All-Star Game being in Atlanta this year. The WWE announced they will hold Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 and WWE Evolution on July 13 from State Farm Arena (as well as the Great American Bash) before the MLB Home Run Derby on July 14 and the MLB All-Star Game on July 15 at Truist Park. Atlanta will be the hottest city in the country during the slowest time on the sports calendar this year.

4. After the Oklahoma City Thunder got blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 143-101, I heard a stat that surprised me. No NBA team has ever lost a playoff game by 40 or more points and gone on to win the title. First, that record will be broken next month. Second, I’ll never forget being at Staples Center for a watch party for Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals and watching the Pacers blow out the Lakers, 120-87. It was a bad loss but it was just one game and the Lakers won the title in Game 6.

5. When Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers, his weight and physical conditioning were cited as two big reasons. It seemed absurd considering Doncic was 25 years old, a five-time All-NBA First Team player, and coming off his first NBA Finals appearance. Lakers coach JJ Redick even mentioned the need for the Lakers to get in “championship shape” after losing in the first round. It seems Luka didn’t waste any time as he looked like a new man last weekend while at a Real Madrid game. The NBA has yet to see this Luka.

6. The Sparks are battling injuries and are 2-3 this season but they are attracting some of the biggest names in sports to their games. Kevin Durant has been courtside for the last two home games and Aaron Donald was courtside for Sunday’s win over the Chicago Sky. It’s a perfect time reiterate that the Sparks are the best bargain in sports in Los Angeles and maybe the country. For Tuesday’s game against Atlanta, for example, you can sit in the lower bowl at Crypto for $10 or be in a suite for $15.

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m., and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Monday:

1. As great as the opening week was for the Los Angeles Dodgers after they raised their World Series flag, handing out their World Series rings and started the season 5-0, the team sadly announced the passing of long-time organist Nancy Bea Hefley, who was 89 years and played the organ at Dodger Stadium from 1988 to 2015.

Hefley famously played “Master of the House” from “Les Miserables” whenever Orel Hershiser took the mound and “Food, Glorious Food” from “Oliver!” when the scoreboard advertised food specials. There was a special bond between Hefley and Dodgers fans that was forged over a quarter century.

Growing up as Dodgers fan, who fell in love with the team during their magical World Series run in 1988, Hefley was as much a part of the fabric of the Dodgers as Vin Scully and Tommy Lasorda. I got to know Hefley and her husband, Bill, over the years when I started covering the team for Sports Illustrated and ESPN.

By the time Hefley retired in 2015, the Dodgers had all but phased her out. We often joked that you could count the number of times she played the organ in-game on one hand during her final season.

One of my favorite memories of Hefley didn’t take place at Dodger Stadium but at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. When Manny Ramirez joined the Chicago White Sox late in the 2010 season after being waived by the Dodges, Hefley and her husband drove to Anaheim to catch up with Ramirez and another former Dodger who was in Chicago, Juan Pierre, before leaving for their home in Silver Springs, Nevada prior to the opening pitch. She made that 450-mile commute to every Dodgers homestand but I’ll never forget her making that commute just to give a former player a pregame hug.

"When Manny arrived, the team wasn't doing anything and he just brought a spark," she told me after giving Ramirez and Pierre a big hug each in the visitor's dugout. "He brought a spark to the team in the dugout and on the field and made it very exciting."

Hefley made every Dodgers game she performed at exciting and she will be missed.

2. After Roki Sasaki’s nightmarish home debut at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, cameras caught an emotional Sasaki in the Dodgers dugout.

Really tough seeing Rōki Sasaki emotional after his outing.

He’s 23 years old. Stuff is nasty. He’ll be great in MLB.

pic.twitter.com/5Z0tmhXRSx

— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) March 31, 2025

Sasaki's Dodger Stadium debut ended in the second inning after he issued four walks and got only five outs while throwing 61 pitches to 12 batters. The video of him nearly in tears in the dugout after getting puled by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went viral online. It was from the Japanese broadcast not from the Spectrum SportsNet LA telecast so it was the first time most fans had seen Sasaki visually rattled. Having just spent a week in Japan covering four Dodgers games, the telecasts in Japan focus on every movement of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinbu Yamamoto and Sasaki in between pitches. Instead of watching the batter in the batter’s box or the pitcher on the mound, we get closeups of Ohtani, Yamamoto or Sasaki eating sunflower seeds or drinking water.

Not only did I not have an issue with Sasaki’s reaction to getting pulled early, I thought it showed how badly he wants to be great and how much he wants to be a part of this team’s success early. The truth is, he’s just 23 years old, he’s going to get better and the Dodgers are 5-0 this season with the deepest pitching staff in baseball and they don’t need him to be a Cy Young candidate early in his rookie season. I was actually more concerned about Yamamoto after his first start last season when he allowed five runs on four hits and a walk in only one inning of work with two strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. The five runs allowed were the most ever by a Dodgers starter in their major league debut pitching an inning or less. It was a far worse debut and we know how last season ended for Yamamoto and the Dodgers.

3. The UCLA women’s basketball team is headed to the program’s first-ever Final Four after beating LSU on Sunday. As much as basketball fans in Los Angeles would love to see a fourth match-up between USC and UCLA on Friday night in the Final Four in Tampa, USC enters Monday’s Elite Eight game against UConn as a heavy underdog. Without JuJu Watkins, USC enters Monday’s game as a 15-point underdog. It’s the biggest underdog a No. 1 seed has been in the tournament (men’s or women’s) in 25 years. Even without Watkins, USC has covered the spread over Mississippi State and Kansas State and it’s not hard to imagine them keeping the game against UConn, a team they beat earlier this season, within a dozen points.

4. The mantra for the Lakers entering the stretch run this season is “playoffs, not play-in.” It makes sense. Since winning the championship in 2020 (the first season the play-in tournament was introduced), the only times the Lakers have been in the playoffs have been after winning their way in through the play-in tournament as a team seeded between seven through 10. The Lakers don’t want to do that this season. After being as a high as the No. 2 seed they would like to remain in the top six and simply qualify for the playoffs without being in the play-in tournament.

To take that one step further, they would also like to be a top four seed and have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The road to that goal begins tonight at home against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers only have eight games left in the season and will likely need to go 6-2 over that stretch if they want to be a top four team and start the postseason at home.

5. Major League Baseball released a list of the 20 most purchased jerseys since the 2024 World Series and it’s no surprise that the Dodgers dominate the list with six players in the top 16. Ohtani is No. 1 on the list followed by Freddie Freeman at No. 2, Mookie Betts at No. 4, Yoshinobu Yamamoto at No. 10, Clayton Kershaw at No. 11 and Kike Hernandez at No. 16.

6. The Kings will honor longtime play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson during a pre-game ceremony on Tuesday celebrating his hall of fame career before his retirement at the end of this season. Nickson is in his 44th season as the “Voice of the Kings” across radio and television. He has called over 3,800 Kings games.

It will be the end of an era in Los Angeles sports broadcasting after Bob Miller’s retirement in 2017, Ralph Lawler’s retirement in 2019 and, of course, the passing of Chick Hearn and Vin Scully. We were blessed with some of the most iconic voices in sports history.

“It has been an absolute privilege to bring the game to the listeners and viewers from one season to the next,” Nickson said in October after announcing his retirement. “Through it all, I have enjoyed calling every shot, every save, every goal, and two Stanley Cups. To my family and the Kings organization, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. To the great fans of Kings Hockey, thank you for your encouragement and kind words over the years. It has always meant the world to me.

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m. PT, and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. PT on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Friday:

1. I don’t think the Dodgers could have had a better home opener than the one that played out on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Every moment hit the right note. From the Dodgers’ players walking onto the field from a blue carpet in the outfield and Ice Cube driving the World Series trophy onto the field in a blue 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air to the 2024 World Series plaque being unveiled in the right-field corner by captains of the Los Angeles and Pasadena fire departments to 1988 World Series Game 1 hero Kirk Gibson throwing out the first pitch to 2024 World Series Game 1 hero Freddie Freeman, it was perfect. Just perfect.

The only part of the day the Dodgers couldn’t script was the game and that went off as planned as well with the team’s new $182 million pitcher Blake Snell getting the win powered by home runs from 2024 NL MVP Shohei Ohtani, 2024 Home Run Derby Champion Teoscar Hernandez and 2024 NLCS MVP Tommy Edman. It was a perfect celebration of last year as the team finally turns the page on a magical 2024 season and focuses on this season. Well, except for one small thing.

2. The one thing missing from the Dodgers’ home opening celebration was a ring ceremony. That’s because the team wanted to spread the celebration across two days and give two sold out crowds at Dodger Stadium the chance to celebrate the team’s 2024 World Series. So, while the team raised the World Series flag and unveiled the banner on Thursday, the team will finally get their World Series rings on Friday.

“I like it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told me when I asked him the thought process behind spreading the celebration across two days. “I think it gives the fans an opportunity to have something unique and special for two days in a row. Where it’s usually all encompassing on one day, Opening Day, which is special, now the fans that aren’t here today can come tomorrow and get something unique as well. It’s great what the Dodgers did to allow for the fans to get a couple of unique experiences.”

When Roberts and the players get their World Series rings on Friday, it will be the first time they see what it looks like. “I have not seen them,” Roberts said. “They’ve been under wraps.”

3. The Dodgers are doing their best to carry over anything that may have become a tradition last year during the team’s World Series-winning season and Ohtani’s record-breaking season. The first was playing Opening Day overseas, the second was Josh Groban singing the National Anthem before the homer opener as he did on Thursday, and the third was offering a $6 Panda Plate from Panda Express after every Dodgers home win.

The deal had become a fan favorite last season and the team and the fast-food chain, which was founded in Glendale, Calif. in 1983, announced they would be bringing it back this season. I talked to a Panda Express representative and the deal is not only available in Los Angeles County this season but at other select Panda Express locations in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii, which is not only the coverage area of The Sporting Tribune but the broadcast area of Spectrum SportsNet LA, the broadcast home of the Dodgers. To take advantage of the offer and see if it is available near you, just download the Panda Express app, select the "Plate Meal (2 Entree + 1 Side)" for $6 when you login to your Panda Rewards Account (it's free to join) and apply coupon code "DODGERSWIN" in your cart and select the store pickup where available.

4. There are new combo deals at Dodger Stadium this season although some fans might take exception to the word “deals.” I tweeted about one that included four Dodger Dogs, a garlic fry helmet and two souvenir sodas going for $59.99.

For $60 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium you can get:
10 hotdogs ($20)
10 orders of fries ($30)
5 refillable drinks ($10)

— Mercedes-Benz Stadium (@MBStadium) March 27, 2025

One of the accounts that responded to the price tag was the official verified account of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium known for affordable concessions wrote, “For $60 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium you can get: 10 hot dogs ($20), 10 orders of fries (30), 5 refillable dinks ($10).” The only thing you can’t get with that order, however, is a winning team. The Falcons have not had a winning record since 2017 and have gone 47-69 over that stretch. I think the bigger question is do fans mind paying more for hot dogs, fries and drinks if it equates to more wins and championships?

5. If you were not able to make it out to the first two Dodgers home games this season, don’t worry, there are plenty more opportunities to see the “Boys in Blue” this season and not surprisingly it gets progressively cheaper on the secondary market. The cheapest ticket to the Thursday’s home opener was $130, for Friday’s ring ceremony it’s $85, for Saturday’s game against the Tigers it’s $69, for Monday’s game against the Braves it’s $59 and for Tuesday’s game against the Braves it’s $39.

The most interesting ticket pricing tidbit is that the most expensive ticket for the Dodgers’ home schedule through April isn’t the home opener or even Ohtani’s MVP bobblehead on Wednesday ($75). It’s the Freddi Freeman’ bobblehead when the Dodgers play the Chicago Cubs on Friday, April 11. The cheapest ticket for that game is $175.

6. OK, that’s it for this week. Enjoy the weekend because “It's Friday again! Then Saturday, Sunday!”

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m. PT, and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. PT on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Thursday:

1. ESPN announced Wednesday that is moving production of its Los Angeles-based late night SportsCenter as well as soccer programming to its headquarters in Bristol, Conn. The last Los Angeles SportsCenter will air on May 16.

The only shows that will continue to use ESPN’s LA Live studios, which opened on April 6, 2009, is ESPN's NBA shows. The studios were also used for Los Angeles-based reporters on “Around The Horn,” which will air its final episode on May 23.

It’s the end of an era for ESPN, which planted a huge flag across the street from Staples Center just before the Lakers won back-to-back NBA championships, the Kings won two Stanley Cups in three years and the Sparks won a WNBA title.

I joined ESPN in 2009 as they were building their campus at L.A. Live. It was an exciting time as they opened a first-class studio for ESPNLA 710, launched ESPNLA.com to cover the city as newspapers were downsizing, introduced Bill Simmons’ Grantland.com, welcomed the nightly SportsCenter Los Angeles, invested in X Games, which took place annually in Los Angeles, and also held events at ESPN Zone at Disneyland.

Since then, ESPN sold ESPNLA 710 to Good Karma Brands, pulled the plug on ESPNLA.com and Grantland.com, announced the cancellation of SportsCenter Los Angeles, sold the X Games to MS Sports Capital and closed all of its ESPN Zone locations.

ESPN is still the “Worldwide Leader” but they have seemingly punted on having a homebase in Los Angeles and they might not be done yet when it comes to relocating. A source inside ESPN told me their commitment to having NBA shows emanate from L.A. Live extends only through this postseason but no decision has been made yet about next season when "Inside the NBA" with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal, will begin airing on ESPN and ABC.

TNT Sports will continue to independently produce "Inside the NBA" from its Atlanta-based studios. Multiple prominent ESPN personalities that cover the NBA also have contracts coming up before next season and part of those contract negotiations, according to the source, will revolve around ESPN not having a Los Angeles-based NBA show. Nothing has been decided yet but there is a chance ESPN completely leaves its LA Live studios and offices at the end of the year.

2. The Los Angeles Sparks announced they will retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey at Crypto.com Arena at halftime of the team’s game against the Chicago Sky on June 29. Parker will become the third Spark to have her jersey retired, joining Lisa Leslie (No. 9), and Penny Toler (No. 11). The ceremony, according to the team, will “feature a halftime on-court tribute with appearances from former teammates, coaches, and special guests, along with a video montage highlighting her greatest moments in a Sparks uniform.”

It will be a special night but also reminds me that we’re still long overdue for the first Sparks statue in Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena. Before the pandemic, there was talk of Lisa Leslie getting a statue but nothing has happened since then. Crypto.com Arena is the home of the Lakers, Kings and Sparks. It’s not hard to see it’s the home of the Lakers and Kings as you walk around Star Plaza and see statues for Lakers greats Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Chick Hearn as well as Kings greats Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, Dustin Brown and Bob Miller. But it’s long overdue for the Sparks to have some kind of representation with a statue in front of the arena as well.

3. Everyone knows the Dodgers are the heavy favorites to repeat as World Series champions but they are actually historically big favorites, according to several sportsbooks in Las Vegas. The Dodgers are hovering around +275 to win the World Series at many sportsbooks before their home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. That makes them the biggest Opening Day favorite since the 2002 New York Yankees, according to ESPN Research. The Dodgers had a preseason win total of 103, which is about 10 wins higher than any other team this year. It’s the highest total entering any season since the 1999 Yankees. For those wondering, the 2002 Yankees did win 103 games but lost to the Angels in the ALDS while the 1999 Yankees won the World Series as the Yankees won three World Series in four years from 1996 to 2000.

4. I know traffic is a nightmare around Dodger Stadium for the first homestand of the season but if you have a ticket to Opening Day in L.A. on Thursday or the ring ceremony on Friday, do yourself a favor and get their early. Josh Groban, who sang the national anthem before last year’s home opener will be back to sing the anthem and will be accompanied by two F-15C aircrafts from the 144th Fight Wing in Fresno, California and two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the 63rd Fighter Squadron of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. And on Friday, my favorite anthem singer Keith Williams Jr. will take centerstage before Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser and Manny Mota throw out the ceremonial first pitch and Jaime Jarrin returns to announce, “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!”

5. The City of Pasadena announced Wednesday that it signed a historic agreement with the organizers of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the Rose Bowl Stadium to host Olympic soccer, including the semifinal and final matches for both men and women. This will mark the third time that Pasadena will play a role in the Olympic Games at the Rose Bowl Stadium. While this announcement had been expected for some time, it’s great to officially see the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Rose Bowl Stadium officially become the only two venues to host events at three different Olympic Games (1932, 1984, 2028).

6. I might be one of the last print subscribers to notice this but it was also the end of the era at the Los Angeles Times as they got rid of the rid of the “hedcut” or hand-drawn portraits of their columnists and instead place “Voices” above columns written by their columnists. Frustrated readers upset by a column in the paper can no longer draw on the portraits of the writer, depriving those of us that still enjoy the tactile pleasure of holding the morning paper one more benefit of keeping our subscription.

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m. PT, and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. PT on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six thoughts for Wednesday:

1. The Dodgers announced Tuesday they had accepted an invitation from the President of the United States to visit the White House to celebrate winning the World Series last season.

The team will visit the White House on April 7 and will also visit Capitol Hill on April 8 during their trip to Washington, D.C. to play the Washington Nationals.

Normally such a trip – a decades-long tradition for professional and college teams – wouldn’t be newsworthy but when the invitation comes from President Donald Trump, well, it’s a little different. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts had previously said he wouldn’t visit the White House while Trump was in office and Mookie Betts didn’t go when the Boston Red Sox visited Trump in the White House after winning the World Series in 2018.

Roberts said he would be going to the White House next month while Betts was undecided and said he would discuss the invitation with his family this week.

“It’s certainly a huge honor to get the invitation to the White House,” Roberts told the media on Tuesday. “It allows us to celebrate our 2024 championship. To my understanding, every World Series champion gets that honor. I respect the position. It’s the highest office in our country certainly, in the world. So, I’m looking forward to it.”

The viewpoint from Dodgers fans were as divided as the voter turnout in California judging from the comments following the Dodgers’ post on X announcing the decision to go to the White House.

In keeping with long-standing baseball tradition, President Trump has invited the 2024 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House when they play in Washington D.C. on April 7. The Dodgers look forward to visiting the White House and celebrating our title.

In…

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 25, 2025

I understand both sides of the argument but the Dodgers’ players, coaches and staff who won the World Series in October over the New York Yankees earned this invitation and with it earned the right to accept it or deny it. There will likely be some players that chose not to attend, which is their right, and there will likely be many more that choose to attend, which, again, is their right.

I assure you, whether or not Betts or Freddie Freeman or Shohei Ohtani or anyone decides to go or not to the White House is not going to change how the Trump admiration does their job. For many players, coaches and staff, this invitation and moment is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the White House. Even if you don’t support Trump, you can still take advantage of this time in your life and share the experience with your family for years to come. There's no guarantee they will ever get this chance again, regardless of who's in office.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the White House when Barack Obama was in office and was able to walk around the Vermeil Room, check out the books in the Library, sit in the China Room, grab a drink in the Blue Room, relax in the Red Room and take photos in the Green Room, before eating lunch in the State Dining Room. Whenever I show people pictures of my unforgettable day at the White House, who was the sitting president at the time isn’t a big part of the story. It’s an experience I cherish and didn’t take for granted. It’s also one the Dodgers deserve to enjoy if they choose to accept the president’s invitation.

2. It was great to see Mookie Betts smiling and back in the Dodgers' lineup on Tuesday. It didn’t matter that he went 0-for-3 in the Dodgers’ final exhibition game against the Angels. That was meaningless in every sense of the word. The fact that he was healthy again is the best news the Dodgers have gotten since they returned from Japan.

There was serious concern about his health to start the season after he had been battling a mysterious stomach virus that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds in two weeks. But Betts turned a corner on Monday, responding well to medication from doctors, felt well enough to play on Tuesday and has been cleared to play in the Dodges’ home opener on Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. “I feel great,” Betts told reporters. “Awesome. Normal.”

3. The best team in Los Angeles this month has been the Los Angeles Kings. They have won nine of their last 10 games and currently have the longest single season home point streak at 15 games in franchise history, going 12-0-3 during that stretch. They’ve also outscored their opponents 34-15 during this run thanks in large part to back-to-back 7-2 wins at home over the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. It’s the first time the Kings have scored at least seven goals in back-to-back games in 30 years.

They’re certainly looking like a dark horse Stanley Cup team no one wants to face come playoff time. They’re in sole possession of second place in the Pacific Division and just five points behind first place Vegas with a game in hand. They’re also currently fifth in the West but just five points behind the second seed. If you’re a fan of the Lakers and Kings, your teams are in very similar positions with very similar goals heading into the stretch run of the season.

4. Bronny James will never get a fair shake at being an NBA player because of who is father is. The fact is most people think the only reason Bronny is in the NBA is because his father is LeBron James. That might have been the common belief when the Lakers drafted him at the end of the second-round last year with one of the last picks in the draft but anyone who has watched him play recently knows that is simply not the case. He deserves to be in the NBA.

A few days after posting 17 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 block on 70-percent shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny scored a career-high 39 points in the South Bay Lakers' G League win over the Santa Cruz Warriors. He hit 14-of-21 shots from the field, including 4-for-8 on 3-pointers, and added seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block.

At just 20 years old, Bronny is the youngest player in the G League to average at least 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. No one is saying he is the second coming of his father but he’s much better than most late second round picks and looks like he could be a solid NBA player if he continues to develop the way he has during the course of his rookie season.

5. WrestleMania Week will look a lot like Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas.

Medium Rare, the group that puts on some of the biggest Super Bowl parties each year such as Shaq’s Fun House, Gronk Beach. SI The Party and Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate, announced they are partnering with WWE to roll out a similar lineup of parties around WrestleMania next month.

The parties will take place each night from Thursday, April 17 through Sunday, April 20 at LIV and LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which is the official host hotel of WrestleMania. "WrestleMania After Dark" will feature musical performances, appearances by top WWE Superstars, and interactive activations.

6. I wrote in yesterday’s column how distraught and heartbroken I was about JuJu Watkins tearing her ACL on Monday and being sidelined for the year. The worry with an injury like that isn’t just for the short-term but also the long-term. Will she be the same player she was before when she comes back? The answer from a friend and doctor was short and sweet and gave me some hope.

“She will be even better.”

My friend mentioned the advancements that have been made with ACL surgery, the best-in-class care and treatment she is getting and sent me this video of UConn star Paige Bueckers, who tore her ACL in 2022 and returned better than before and will be the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m. PT, and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. PT on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

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LOS ANGELES – Six (or seven) thoughts for Tuesday:

1. My brother and I don’t own many of the same pieces of clothing. Out styles are as different as you would expect from two siblings 12 years apart. But we did make one purchase together last year. We both bought JuJu Watkins SLAM cover shirts before this season and started a group chat between us and our wives called the “JuJu Watkins Fan Club.” While our significant others aren’t as obsessed with sports as their husbands tare he four of us have bonded over the USC Trojans women’s basketball team this season.

After USC beat UCLA at Pauley Pavilion to win the Big Ten regular season championship earlier this month, we made plans to go to Tampa for the Women’s Final Four. There was no guarantee that USC would advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1986, of course, but this was a team of destiny we figured lead by Watkins, the consensus National Player of the Yea, the program’s first since Lisa Leslie in 1994.

This is all to say I’ve never felt more of a personal connection to a team than this USC women’s basketball team led by Watkins. When Watkins went down in the first quarter of Monday’s NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State, my heart dropped. I’m no doctor but I’ve covered enough sports over the past 25 years to know what a torn ACL looks like and the MRI taken late Monday night at Keck Hospital of USC confirmed everyone’s worst fears that Watkins was done for the season.

It's heartbreaking end to the season for a player that was destined for a rematch against Paige Bueckers and UConn in the Elite Eight, Lauren Betts and UCLA in the Final Four and Hannah Hidalgo and Notre Dame (or South Carolina) in the national championship game. It was not only a blow to USC but to women’s college basketball fans everywhere. This wasn’t supposed to be the way her season came to an end. Everything Watkins and USC had done up until this point was for what was coming up over the next two weekends.

It’s nearly impossible to find a silver lining on a night when the game’s best player is lost to season-ending surgery but the rest of the country did get to see why Kiki Iriafen was in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's WNBA Draft when the senior forward transferred to USC from Stanford. She did her best to play a supporting role to Watkins this season but in Watkins' absence, Iriafin played like a No. 1 overall pick prospect in posting 36 points and 9 rebounds in USC’s 96-59 blowout win over Mississippi State to lead the Trojans to the Sweet 16.

If Iriafin plays that in Spokane, maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see USC in the Final Four after all.

2. I went to the doctor on Monday. I didn’t want to go but my wife told me I had to go after complaining about my ears, nose and throat upon my return to Los Angeles from Tokyo. Covering the Tokyo Series was a dream but the 12-hour flight in the back of a sold-out plane was beyond a nightmare. My tests thankfully came back negative and I feel better today than I did yesterday but the doctor told me to take it easy for while and get some rest.

It's the same advice I’d love to see the Dodgers give Mookie Betts as he continues to battle a mysterious illness that came to light during the team's trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series. The "virus," as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called it, has prevented Betts from keeping down solid food for two weeks and caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds.

Roberts said Betts did turn a corner on Monday and was able to keep sold food down for the first time and made it through a full workout and felt fine. He said he expects him to play in Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Angels in preparation for Thursday’s home opener against the Detroit Tigers. On one hand that’s great news and on the other hand I can’t help but wonder why? What’s the rush?

Betts’ body has been through so much over the past two weeks and one day after keeping down solid food for the first time in weeks you want to run him out to play in an exhibition game? I want to see Betts back on the field as much as anyone but maybe let him string a few meals and workouts together and get back up to his playing weight before putting him back onto the field. It’s a long season and the Dodgers have the deepest roster in baseball. There’s no reason in rushing Betts back before he’s physically ready to play and risking injury.

3. It was easy to dismiss the Lakers’ four-game losing streak earlier this month when they were playing without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Jaxon Hayes and Dorian-Finney Smith. In their 131-126 loss at Denver, they rolled out starting lineup of Dalton Knecht, Jordan Goodwin, Alex Len, Jared Vanderbilt and Austin Reaves.

The thinking at the time was that as soon as the Lakers were back at full strength they would go on another eight-game winning streak and reclaim the No. 2 seed in the West going into the postseason.

Um, not exactly.

The Lakers have not only lost three straight games after Monday's loss at the Orlando Magic but they have lost by an average of 24 points. They’re currently the No. 4 seed, which is 2.5 games back of the No. 2 seed but also just 3 games up on being in the play-in tournament. As good as the Lakers looked earlier this month when they held the No. 2 seed before James’ injury in Boston, how they finish this month with road games at Indiana, Chicago and Memphis and a home game against Houston could make or break their season with just seven games to play in April. The last thing this team wants to do is start the postseason by playing in the play-in tournament again.

4. While the Lakers are struggling, the Clippers look like they are finally hitting their stride, winning five straight and eight of nine before a heartbreaking 103-101 loss to the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. The Clippers’ core of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac are finally all healthy and they’re getting contributions from Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Ben Simmons, Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey. The Clippers are just three games back of the No. 4 seed and just one game back of the No. 6 seed and avoiding the play-in tournament.

One of the most consistent players on the Clippers this season has been Zubac, who has started 69 of the Clippers 71 games so far this season and is averaging a career-high 16.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. This is the same player the Lakers drafted in the second round in 2016 and looked destined for a long career in purple and gold before he was traded for Mike Muskala, who bounced around between five teams after the failed deal before retiring from basketball last July.

While most would call that the worst Lakers trade in recent memory, I still have to give the nod to the Lakers taking a sledge hammer to their 2020 championship team less than one year hosting the Larry O'Brien Trophy by trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and a first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook. A few days later, they let Alex Carusso sign a four-year, $37 million deal with the Chicago Bulls when he told the Lakers he would re-sign to stay in Los Angeles for less.

5. Speaking of that 2020 championship Lakers team, it was great to see Dwight Howard get inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame before the Lakers played the Magic on Monday. It was only fitting given that Howard led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals against the Lakers, was traded to the Lakers by the Magic and eventually won his only championship with the Lakers in Orlando.

6.I liked the Sparks’ trade for Kelsey Plum when it was made mainly because I felt they needed a proven star after missing out on the No. 1 overall pick for the second year in a row. I also didn’t feel there was a No. 2 player on the board this year as good as Cameron Brink was last year. So, make the trade for Plum and get a sold player with the ninth pick in the first round and get lucky with someone who could make an impact with the 21st overall pick. We’ll see what happens but I have the Sparks taking UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the ninth pick and Brink’s 3x3 Team USA teammate and TCU standout guard Hayley Van Lith with the 21st pick.

7. Bonus Note of the Day: Thanks to KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 for having me on to talk about Match Madness this week.

The Sporting Tribune’s @ArashMarkazi will be on KCAL and KCBS talking about March Madness this week. pic.twitter.com/phGcbpPVFh

— The Sporting Tribune (@SportingTrib) March 25, 2025

Good morning and welcome to The Morning Column at The Sporting Tribune. It’s the first of our weekday 6@6 series, where you can catch The Morning Column, Arash Markazi’s daily notebook, at 6 a.m. PT, and then watch and listen to The Sporting Tribune Today at 6 p.m. PT on X. The show, which is hosted by Arash Markazi and Grant Mona, will hit on the top stories of the day and will also air on KIRN 670 AM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and The Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii.

TOKYO – Six (or seven) thoughts for my trip to Japan:

1. I have never been to Tokyo before, but I quickly felt a connection to the many curious onlookers who heard me struggle to ask a question in Japanese.

“Where are you from?” they would ask me in English.

“Los Angeles,” I would say as a big smile came over their face.

“Oh, Los Angeles!” they would say. “Shohei Ohtani!”

It was like I knew their cousin as they would ask me about Ohtani’s historical season last year before transitioning into Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s postseason and Roki Sasaki joining the Dodgers this offseason.

Los Angeles and Japan are separated by 5,500 miles but Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki have seemingly shortened the distance between Dodger Stadium and the island nation in East Asia. It was impossible to walk around Tokyo over the past week without seeing a billboard for Ohtani, Yamamoto or Sasaki or someone wearing one of their jerseys with a Dodgers hat.

2. “There’s more Dodgers fans here than we’d have for this game at Dodger Stadium.”

That was a text I got from a friend who attended Opening Day between the Dodgers and Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. He was referring to the number of Cubs fans who always come out to Dodger Stadium for a Los Angeles-Chicago series, but also to the incredible number of Dodgers fans at Tokyo Dome for the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs. While the Cubs have their own pair of Japanese fan favorites in Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, it was hard to compete with the Dodgers’ trio led by Ohtani.

“It’s more skewed because of Shohei,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Nothing against the other four Japanese players but Shohei is just such a beast in this whole equation. There’s a lot of 17 Dodgers jerseys here.”

3. The Tokyo Series represented the first two games of a 162-game regular season but it felt like the World Series in Tokyo, if not bigger. The best example of this was the ticket prices for Opening Day. The cheapest ticket, if you could find it, was $3,500. The problem is that less than 1% of the tickets were sold on the resale market so it was hard to even find upper-level tickets at that price.

“I’ve never seen ticket prices that high and inventory that low for a baseball game, World Series, All-Star Game, anything,” one ticket broker told me. “The cheapest ticket for Opening Day was more expensive than the cheapest ticket at the Super Bowl. That’s unheard of.”

4. It only made sense for Kike Hernandez to come up big in a series that felt like the playoffs. Not only did Hernandez start the first two games of the season with Mookie Betts (illness) and Freddie Freeman (ribs) sidelined but he picked up where left off in October, hitting a home run with a game-high 3 RBIs in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Cubs last Wednesday.

“Kiki is just a unique person and a unique baseball player,” Roberts told me when I asked about Hernandez. “There are just not many people who have the ability to be a jokester and have a lot of fun but in the biggest of moments be able to calm himself and perform and he’s a big part of our last two World Championships.”

Hernandez relished the opportunity to play in front of the rabid fan base that exploded every time a hitter connected with the ball.

“I love it,” Hernandez said. “I think it’s great that it’s silent when the pitcher is pitching and a party when they’re hitting. That’s my kind of party.”

5. As great as the Dodgers’ two trips abroad were in Seoul last season and Tokyo, it would be hard to imagine Major League Baseball scheduling a third in 2026. You’d have to imagine as long as they have the biggest global star in the sport in Ohtani, they will be a part of a rotation but you could tell the toll the trip had on the Dodgers as they left the Tokyo Dome last Wednesday night to head back to Los Angeles.

“This has been a great trip,” Roberts said, “But I think I speak for the players that we’re ready to get back to our regular lives and our regular routine.”

6. I’ll never forget when I first heard Anthony Bourdain talk about the egg salad sandwich at Lawson in Japan on his “Parts Unknown” series on CNN. It was perhaps the best intro to a food item he had ever given, which is saying something.

“So, I’ve given up many vices in my life, many shameful, filthy, guilty pleasures that I used to like that I just don’t do anymore,” he said. “Cocaine, heroin, prostitutes, the musical styling of Steven Tyler. I’ve cut aside these childish things as they were in favor of a newer, more mature me. One thing I just can’t give up. One thing I keep coming back to every time I come back to Japan. One thing that has an unholy grip on me for no reason that I can gather… Behold the wonder that is Lawson.”

Lawson is one of three popular convenience store chains in Japan along with 7-Eleven and Family Mart. What makes them different than any convenience store back in the United States is the quality of the food, particularly the sandwiches. While the egg salad sandwich at Lawson is arguably the best, the others ranging from strawberries and whipped cream (yes, that’s a sandwich) to ham and cucumber are worth trying as well. But it begins and ends with Lawson's egg salad sandwich, which I've had almost every day of my stay in Tokyo as there is a Lawson inside of the Tokyo Dome Hotel.

It’s hard to explain how great the Lawson’s egg salad sandwich is. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had and it came prepackaged from a convenience store. https://t.co/228uPXiUaL pic.twitter.com/BCdoV8L2Cf

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 19, 2025

The one thing I did get knocked for trying was the Taco Bell at the Tokyo Dome. I know I should be trying the local fare but I couldn’t resist getting a couple of soft tacos before the opening pitch on Wednesday night and wrestling legend Samoa Joe, who has had some iconic matches at the Tokyo Dome, did not approve.

Knowing there is a Lawson and or 7/11 nearby and you pull this? Diabolical sir.

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) March 19, 2025

7. Bonus Note of the Day: Thanks to Fox 11, KCBS 2 and KCAL 9 for having me on during Tokyo Series in Japan.

.@SportingTrib's @ArashMarkazi joins @FOXLA from Tokyo...where he's reporting on the @Dodgers historic trip.

"It is amazing...a once in a lifetime trip!"

"The cheapest ticket...$3,500...more than the Super Bowl!"

"You walk around Tokyo...95% Dodgers fans!" pic.twitter.com/dz5cmUevKj

— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) March 19, 2025

Media from all over the world have descended on Tokyo - including our own @DarrenMHaynes of course, who got some of his own peers' thoughts on Shohei Ohtani & his electric exhibition home run!@billplunkettocr @kirsten_watson @ArashMarkazi @FabianArdaya @kcalnews pic.twitter.com/NC7MrTZgf8

— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) March 17, 2025

The Morning Column today comes from The Sporting Tribune’s Arash Markazi:

ATLANTA – Reggie Bush can’t believe it has been 20 years since his last season in college football. The 2005 Heisman Trophy winner still looks like he could take the field and race for a highlight-reel touchdown but he has hard time accepting that it has been two decades since USC was last playing for the national championship.

As he watches 39-year-old Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman lead the Irish back to the title game, the 39-year-old Bush says he has been having his own dreams of one day leading USC back to the success he achieved as a player.

“I would love to come back and be the head coach of USC at some point and help lead USC to a national championship,” Bush said. “Lately, man, I've just been really having this urge inside of me to get out and coach because it's in me. And it's been something I've been thinking about a lot and actually talking to people about.”

It isn’t just talk. Bush said he talked to Sacramento State about their head coaching position. Sacramento State also talked to Michael Vick, who ended up being named the head coach at Norfolk State. Vick, like Bush, had no prior coaching experience but that hasn’t stopped other former NFL players like Deion Sanders (Colorado) and Eddie George (Tennessee State) from becoming the head coach of a college football program.

“I actually spoke to some people over at Sacramento State for the head coaching job when that came up,” Bush said. “I spoke to some people over there about coaching and it's definitely something that I want to do. The same way Kirby Smart, a former player from Georgia, came back to coach his team to a title, I would love to do that as well at USC. I think that'd be a tremendous story, a tremendous comeback story. I think I have what it takes. I got the passion. And a lot of these kids grew up watching our era and watching our teams.”

Bush spoke before the College Football Playoff National Championship where he teamed up with Modelo to host a group of fans – officially dubbed "Team Modelo" – at the game in Atlanta.

Being a pitchman is nothing new for Bush but he will be taking his acting chops to the next level this year when he co-stars in Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler and Christopher McDonald, who plays Shooter McGavin.

“I'm very excited for when the movie drops and I've been patiently waiting, not really talking about it, I just I want to surprise people,” Bush said. “I just want to pop up on people and but yeah, man, it was an amazing opportunity. Adam Sandler is just an amazing person. Getting a chance to work alongside him was a true experience that I'll never forget. My man was directing, producing, coaching and acting as well. He does it al. I love being able to work around people like that because it motivates me and I want to work around the best.”

While Bush didn’t want to say too much about his role in the movie, he did say it’s not a small cameo part and he acted alongside not only Sandler and McDonald, but also Ben Stiller and Bad Bunny.

“I auditioned for the role,” Bush said. “This wasn't a role that was given to me. I actually auditioned for it and worked for it. (Sandler) loved my audition tape. It was definitely something that I'm just so proud of myself for even attempting and taking seriously and putting in the work, and getting the role, which is something that not a lot of people get to experience. I got a chance to talk trash to Shooter McGavin in the movie. Just to even stand next to Shooter McGavin, was awesome. Without giving away too much, man, I think you're going to love it. You're going to laugh your ass off.”

Bush’s first major movie role and interviewing for a college football head coaching job highlight what has been a great nine months for him, which began on April 24, 2024 when Bush got his 2005 Heisman Trophy back. Bush is hopeful that at some point this year USC will gain back the 2005 BCS National Championship trophy they won 20 years ago and the 14 victories the Trojans were forced to vacate during the NCAA’s sanctions against USC for what they deemed at the time as “improper benefits” Bush received while in school.

“I'm extremely optimistic,” Bush said of getting the crystal ball trophy and wins back. “I'm the one that's out here still fighting the fight in trying to make sure that everything is restored, not only to me, but to USC as well. With the return of the Heisman Trophy, the return of our national championship should have been part of that as well. But, for whatever reason, this is something that I'm still having to fight over but I'm not going to give up until we get everything back.

“I made that promise to my teammates when they came to support me at the College Football Hall of Fame induction, a bunch of my teammates showed up and it was like a family reunion all over again. Those are my brothers and I still want to honor them through going and getting our national championship back, which should have never been taken away from us to begin with. We deserve our place in history and to be recognized as one of the greatest teams ever to come through college football.”

While Bush is focused on getting USC back the national championship trophy they won 20 years ago, he’s also focused on getting into coaching later this year with an eye towards helping USC get a new national championship in the future. He believes he can instantly help USC not only recruit but keep the best players in Southern California, which hasn’t always been the case with local prep stars such as Jayden Daniel, C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young leaving the region to star elsewhere.

“There's a lot of guys I’ve talked to from Jayden Daniels to C.J. Stroud who grew up watching us at USC,” Bush said. “All these guys are from L.A., from our area and they grew up watching USC. I would love to just be able to coach, recruit, and just give my experience and knowledge to all these guys. We got to own L.A., man. We got to get back to owning L.A.”

1. SoFi so good before World Cup spotlight

The Sporting Tribune's Arash Markazi looks at how SoFi Stadium made its field World Cup-ready this offseason and why you won’t see any changes during the NFL season.

SoFi Stadium underwent offseason renovations to increase the size of its field in preparation for the 2026 World Cup but it was hard for soccer fans who watched the recent Arsenal-Manchester United match at the $5 billion home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers to see the changes.

In fact, the changes won’t really be noticeable to anyone until the United States takes the field at SoFi Stadium on June 12, 2026 for its first World Cup at home in 32 years.

That’s because the modifications that were made largely involved replacing concrete in the lower bowl with seating sections that can be rolled back or temporarily removed and stacked like a Lego set, according to Otto Benedict, the Senior Vice President, Facility and Campus Operations at Sofi Stadium and Hollywood Park. The changes will not change the seating capacity or layout of the stadium.  

Benedict gave The Sporting Tribune a look at how the field will be expanded for the 2026 World Cup during the Arsenal-Manchester United match, which was the last soccer game at SoFi Stadium before the stadium hosts back-to-back preseason games for the Rams and Chargers this weekend heading into the stadium's fifth season as the home of both NFL teams. 

Continue reading here.

2. Los Angeles looks on as Paris transportation gets makeover prior to Olympics

As Los Angeles gets ready to host the Summer Olympics in four years, The Sporting Tribune’s Francisco Molina is in Paris taking a look at how they prepared to host the Games this year.

To host the Olympic Games, a city must address several factors, among them security, venues, housing for athletes and visitors and transportation.

Paris won the 2024 Olympic Games in part because of its existing infrastructure, including event venues and an efficient transportation system. And now two weeks into the Games, visitors are largely satisfied with their ability to get around the city.

“As far as the subways have gone, we have had a good experience,” said Wendy Mayer, who is visiting from Lafayette, Indiana. “There's been multiple people at every single subway stop directing you.

“There's signage at every venue stop that tells you what venue is at that spot. There's been a ton of people with little foam fingers directing you where to go.”

Île-de-France Mobilités, the French transportation authority, devised a plan that it described as  “tailor-made” for the Olympics Games and launched a mobile-phone app, “Transport Public Paris 2024” designed to enhance travel for the anticipated 500,000 spectators per day.

The entire plan is designed to address three major factors: safety, accessibility and cleanliness.

Continue reading here.

3. Lakers unveil second statue honoring Kobe & Gigi Bryant

A statue of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant was unveiled outside of Cypto.com Arena and The Sporting Tribune’s Fredo Cervantes was there when the public was allowed to view it for the first time. It is the second of three planned Bryant statue outside of the arena.

The Lakers have unveiled the second Kobe Bryant statue outside Crypto.com Arena, honoring the five-time NBA champion and his daughter, Gianna Maria-Onor’e Bryant. The statue recognizes Bryant's pride in being a 'Girl Dad' and the Bryant family’s support for women and girls in sports.

On Friday, Vanessa Bryant had a special ceremony outside the Crypto.com Arena. The event was held at the 11th Street entrance, which has been officially renamed the "Kobe Bryant Entrance" in honor of the late basketball legend. This entrance is also where the media enters the arena.

Earlier this year, the Lakers unveiled the first Kobe Bryant statue at Star Plaza outside the arena. Bryant is the seventh Laker to be honored with a statue. The Lakers and Vanessa agreed to reveal this statue on a special date, which holds special significance as 8/2/24.

This date honors both the numbers Kobe wore during his career: 8 from the 1996-97 season until the 2005-06 season, and 24 from the 2006-07 season until he retired in 2016. His daughter Gigi wore the number 2 while playing basketball.

The statue was designed by Karon Davis and created by the artists of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. It shows Kobe with his arm around Gianna and angel wings behind them. They are surrounded by hedges, symmetrical benches, and purple and gold flowers reflecting the Lakers' colors Kobe wore for 20 years. Engraved butterflies made of purple onyx and golden vein onyx border the flowers, symbolizing transformation and hope.

Continue reading here.

4. Dylan Laube's rise from overlooked draft pick to training camp standout

Las Vegas Raiders sixth-round pick Dylan Laube has become the team’s (not so) secret weapon heading into preseason, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Anthony Bautista.

Back in April, Laube was selected in the 6th-round from the University of New Hampshire, a pick that didn’t turn many heads.

Fast forward to August and now he’s making plays at Raiders training camp, turning heads and garnering praise from his coaches and teammates alike.

Despite the buzz since getting drafted, Laube remains focused on making the 53-man roster, though his parents can’t help but share the excitement when they see his name in the headlines.

“My parents definitely send me a couple things,” Laube said. “But at the same time man, it’s practice. The main goal at practice is to get better every day so at the same time, it’s not a big deal.” 

Continue reading here.

5. Chargers vs. Rams joint practice: Bolts defense shines, offense worrisome

The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes while the defense showed out on Sunday the offense without Justin Herbert looked pedestrian.

The two NFL teams in Los Angeles met at "The Bolt" on Sunday morning for a joint practice.

It was a good test for both teams. Sean McVay's Rams are considered a Super Bowl contender, and Jim Harbaugh's Chargers are considered a potential playoff-caliber squad.

The Chargers have three fields in their facility. The one closest to the building was used for the Chargers' offense versus the Rams' defense, the middle field was used for special teams, and the far field was used for the Chargers' defense versus the Rams' offense.

The high point was the Chargers' defense, but this will start with the offense.

Continue reading here.

6. Quarterback competition takes center stage at UNLV fall camp

The Sporting Tribune’s Will Despart takes a look at the quarterback battle taking place at UNLV going into this upcoming college football season.

UNLV football’s preseason camp is officially in full swing. The main story is the three-way starting quarterback battle between highly touted transfers Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) and Hajj-Malik Williams (Campbell) as well as returning Rebels’ backup Cameron Friel. 

UNLV was among the most sought after portal destinations in all of the Group of 5, as evidenced by their ability to land two of the top FCS QBs available. Still, Friel is being given what appears to be an equal opportunity to win the job himself after being with the program the last three seasons.

While Sluka’s credentials from his decorated career at Holy Cross likely give him the edge to start the competition, the reality is that each quarterback has major strengths that could result in playing time this year. 

It wouldn't be a surprise to see this competition continue weeks into the season after each player responds in a game environment. That’s an especially pressing question for Sluka and Williams, who played in two lower-tier FCS conferences against talent that can only be described as mediocre. 

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

7:10 p.m. - Phillies at Dodgers - $24

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

7:10 p.m. – Phillies at Dodgers – SportsNet LA

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on KIRN 670 AM and 95.5 FM in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Welcome to The Sporting Tribune 2.0

The Sporting Tribune ushers in a new era before its second anniversary with a new-look website and plans to launch a mobile app, podcast network and photo wire service.

When The Sporting Tribune was born on September 12, 2022, I was so happy and relieved when the website finally went live. An idea that was two years in the making was finally a real thing. 

As I soaked in the way the homepage looked and the way the top stories read, I prepared to head out for our launch party when a longtime friend called me. “Congratulations,” he said. “Now the real work starts. What are you leading the site with tomorrow morning?”

I had no idea. I was so focused on simply getting the website off the ground, I hadn’t spent much time worrying about the fact that all the hard work it took to launch it was now a never-ending daily grind.

My friend laughed as he could hear my voice crack and my mood change. “Don’t worry,” he said. “You’ll figure it out. You got it off the ground. Now you have to build the plane as you fly it.”

I haven’t exactly figured it out but I do love the process of building this plane while it’s in the air.

Continue reading here.

2. The Sporting Tribune launches new-look site with a mobile app to follow

The Sporting Tribune issued the following press release about its new-look site and plans to launch a mobile app, podcast network and photo wire service next month.

The Sporting Tribune launched a brand-new website today and announced plans to launch a mobile app, photo wire service and a podcast network in September.  

The platform launched in September 2022 with a focus on professional and collegiate sports in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. The area is the regional territory for many teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers and Angels, and the broadcast area for the regional networks carrying their games. 

Veteran journalist Arash Markazi, who has covered the area for over 20 years at Sports Illustrated, ESPN and the Los Angeles Times, founded the company along with data scientist Chris Mattmann, who was recently named the Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer at UCLA after a storied 24-year career at NASA JPL where he was the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. 

Markazi will serve as the Chief Content Officer while Mattmann will serve as the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at The Sporting Tribune as the company seeks to reach and serve sports fans in new and innovative ways. Mattmann’s background in journalism includes the invention of the Apache Tika software, a widely used framework for content detection and analysis, which allowed journalists to break the story on the Panama Papers, ultimately winning the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in journalism. 

Joining Markazi and Mattmann in leading The Sporting Tribune into a new era will be a trio of experienced newsroom leaders in Bill Bradley, Jon Scher and Josh Cooper, who will serve as senior editors.  

Continue reading here.

3. Tony Jefferson returns to NFL, ready to earn spot with Chargers

The comeback of Tony Jefferson shows a safety who wants to earn a spot on the roster., writes The Sporting Tribune’s Fernando Ramirez.

A year ago, Tony Jefferson returned to the Baltimore Ravens for his third stint with the team, but it was in a different way. He turned in his helmet and pads for a computer.

He became a scouting intern for them, which meant more work hours and watching a lot of film. It wasn't film of the defense or the offense he was facing that week. It was film of different players around the country.

"I really respect scouts way more now," he said. "Because like as a player, you don't really see all that. 

"You don't see the back of the backhand work that they do, but they do so much for the organizations and finding players and bringing them in and spending all the hours staring at a screen."

Continue reading here.

4. Rams go big, beef up offensive to keep Stafford upright

With a strong focus on protecting their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, the Rams' front five has emerged as one of the most promising groups for this season, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Eric Lambkins II.

Christopher Wallace eloquently asked, "What's beef?" The Rams have nearly a ton of it. 

In an era where NFL quarterbacks are making seemingly a quarter of the salary cap, keeping him upright is increasingly paramount. The Rams utilized the entire offseason to answer the Notorious B.I.G.

With a strong focus on protecting their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, the Rams' front five has emerged as one of the most promising groups for this season. The addition of Jonah Jackson, the retention of Kevin Dotson, and the transition of second-year standout Steve Avila to center have formed a formidable trio on the interior.

With these acquisitions, the Rams can implement the gap-style run scheme that coach Sean McVay initiated last season. This shift in strategy is about bolstering the team's strength and it's a chance for the Rams to redefine their identity.

"What ended up happening is the evolution (of our development)," McVay said. "These guys have the ability to be physical, but they're also athletic enough to be able to do some different things where you can stretch people horizontally, you can get vertical removal.

"There is a big emphasis on keeping the integrity of the interior parts of the pocket, and so I think you'll get some of the success that we had with Steve with Kevin Dotson."

Continue reading here.

5. Steve Ballmer on Clippers’ Intuit Dome: ‘Make it bigger’

The Sporting Tribune's Mark Medina provides an in-depth look at the Clippers' new $2 billion home in Inglewood before it opens this season as perhaps the best basketball arena in the world.

The presentation seemed as captivating as watching a Hollywood blockbuster filled with special effects in an IMAX theatre.

About three months before the LA Clippers will play their first game at Intuit Dome, the franchise unveiled their “Halo Board” that provided both entertaining and practical functions through 38,375 square feet. 

The “Halo Board” showcased a live feed of the actual game directly over the actual court. It provided instant replays of various highlight reels from various angles.

It presented a “Coaches’ Corner” feature filled with various game and player statistics, shot charts and analytic data. And it highlighted a “Player 360” profile during timeouts, which shared a players’ season-long and game statistics along with detail about their career and charity projects.  

Continue reading here.

6. Changes, new faces highlight San Diego State athletics in 2024-25

In an era where changes to the structure and rules surrounding NCAA athletics have come increasingly rapidly, the Scarlet and Black have been doing their part to keep up to pace, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Eric Evelhoch.

When the San Diego State football team hosted a launch party for the new EA Sports College Football 25 game July 19, it was a celebration of the newest edition of an old favorite.

It will feel much the same on the gridiron in a matter of weeks, as SDSU football embarks on the new AztecFAST era under first-year coach Sean Lewis and a completely remade program.

Later in the fall that same quick turnaround will be found on the hardwood of Viejas Arena, where coach Brian Dutcher and the men’s basketball team will be incorporating seven new players.

In an era where changes to the structure and rules surrounding NCAA athletics have come increasingly rapidly, the Scarlet and Black have been doing their part to keep up to pace.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

6:38 p.m. – Rockies at Angels – $3

7:00 p.m. – Angel City vs. San Diego Wave (Fullerton) – $25

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

6:38 p.m. – Rockies at Angels – Bally Sports West

7:00 p.m. – Angel City vs. San Diego Wave (Fullerton) – CBSSN

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Golden Knights steal spotlight at the NHL Draft

The Golden Knights set off some fireworks at the NHL Draft with two trades, including sending Logan Thompson to Washington, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Steve Carp.

Leave it to the host team to hog all the attention at the NHL Draft.

The Golden Knights made a lot of noise and turned heads in Friday’s first round when they took Trevor Connelly with the 19th overall pick despite some off-the-ice baggage. Saturday, they made two significant trades to address their goaltending.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon accommodated Logan Thompson’s request for a trade, sending him to the Washington Capitals for two third-round picks. Not long after, McCrimmon moved one of the picks to New Jersey along with forward Paul Cotter for Devils goaltender Akira Schmid and forward Alexander Holtz.

And with free agency beginning on Monday, expect more moves from the Knights.

“I think we put some skill into our lineup,” McCrimmon said after the Knights drafted a goaltender in the third round (19-year-old, 6-foot-5 Pavel Moysevich, who played in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia for SKA St. Petersburg), a forward in the sixth round in Trent Swick of Kitchener in the Ontario Hockey League and a center in round seven, Lucas Van Vliet of the U.S. National Development Team.

Continue reading here.

2. Analysis: SoFi still so-so for soccer heading into World Cup

The Sporting Tribune's Jeff Kennedy gives his review of SoFi Stadium as a soccer venue heading into the 2026 World Cup midway through the Copa America games.

The first thing I noticed was an electronic sign: ‘No Tailgating Allowed’. Among the throngs of supporters streaming from Century Boulevard toward SoFi Stadium, it was a relatively inconspicuous omen. But an omen nonetheless.

Considering this section of sprawling asphalt is normally the designated tailgating area for Rams and Chargers games, I couldn’t help but wonder why?

Sure, tailgating isn’t a pastime normally associated with soccer, but this wasn’t your normal soccer game. This was Sofi’s first truly prestigious soccer event. This was a Copa America group stage match. This was Costa Rica vs Brazil.

This was widely regarded as a warm up for the eight (yes, eight) matches Los Angeles will host during the 2026 World Cup — including two USMNT group stage games. And the first impression Los Angeles was making with fans — many of whom were traveling from another hemisphere — wasn’t a parade of supporters, or a fan zone or even an especially festive atmosphere.

It was “no tailgating.”

Continue reading here.

3. Noah Lyles on LeBron James-led Olympic Dream Team: ‘They gotta win’

Noah Lyles spoke out on the expectations for the U.S. Olympics men's basketball team months after sparking a global debate, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Jackson Thompson.

Noah Lyles has revealed his standard for the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in Paris.

With an Olympics roster led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, many have labeled this year’ U.S. team the second coming of “The Dream Team.” 

But after Lyles sparked a worldwide debate over the validity of the NBA champions declaring themselves “world champions” last August, the American sprinter isn’t so quick to give the team that label yet. 

“They gotta win, so we’ll see,” Lyles told The Sporting Tribune earlier this month at the USATF NYC Grand Prix .

Lyles’s original comments sparked the World-Champion debate in a press conference last August after sweeping the gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4×100-meter dash races at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Antwerp Belgium. 

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head,” he said then. “World champion of what? The United States?

“Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. — at times — but that ain’t the world. That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”

Continue reading here.

4. Why the Aces suddenly found their groove

Since Chelsea Gray’s return June 19, the two-time defending champion Aces are 4-0 with two of those wins coming against title contenders, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Will Despart.

It’s been about two weeks since WNBA Twitter was mourning the death of the Aces, but it feels like an eternity. 

Since Chelsea Gray’s return June 19, the two-time defending champions are 4-0 with two of those wins coming against teams considered potential title contenders in the Storm and the Sun.

Granted, Saturday’s win over the Washington Mystics wasn’t a masterclass as the Aces let the league’s worst team hang around a little bit too much. 

The Aces also are unbeaten since A’ja Wilson gave an emotional answer in the post-game press conference after their June 15 loss. Wilson’s impassioned response to a question about accountability from The Sporting Tribune’s Willie G. Ramirez led to a viral moment, one that has served as a major wake-up call to her Aces teammates. 

Since then, teammates have talked about how that moment brought them closer as a team and helped them to realize the common goal, which is something that goes deeper than winning a third straight championship. When your leader is both the best player on the planet and arguably the most impassioned leader in the league, a turnaround wasn’t just expected. It was demanded. 

Continue reading here.

5. Road to Breeders’ Cup: Stephen Foster sets early stage for Classic

Racing will take a break at Churchill Downs as the circuit moves to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, in the western and southern parts of the state, respectively.

The last weekend of the Spring Meet — which many of us know colloquially as the Derby Meet — is upon us here in Louisville.  Racing will take a break at Churchill Downs as the circuit moves to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, in the western and southern parts of the state, respectively.

Saturday features six stakes, three of them high level: the aforementioned Grade 1 Stephen Foster, a win-and-in for the $7M Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar; the Grade 2 Wise Dan, a two-turn turf race for older horses; and the Grade 2 Fleur De Lis, one of the best two turn dirt races for older female horses.

They’re all part of an all-stakes pick 6 to close the card Saturday, one which I’ll be covering in person.  You can listen to our hour-long pre-race coverage at 8 a.m. Saturday here.  It’ll include a Triple Crown recap from me, an interview with Trainer Cherie DeVaux — who sends Grade 3 Pimlico Special winner Pyrenees to the starting gate in the Foster — and Kaitlin Free, an on-track analyst at Churchill Downs. 

Continue reading here.

6. Masvidal looking forward to his rematch with Diaz

The summer blockbuster is scheduled for July 6 in Anaheim, CA, featuring a Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal rematch in a boxing ring, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Fredo Cervantes.

The highly anticipated fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, has been moved to the Honda Center in Anaheim. The 10-round light heavyweight showdown will take place on July 6 and will be available on Fanmio PPV.

Masvidal spoke with The Sporting Tribune before the big event. He talked about growing up in Miami, reflecting on their first encounter at Madison Square Garden and sharing his thoughts ahead of the main event against Diaz at the Honda Center.

In 2019, Diaz and Masvidal clashed for the inaugural BMF championship at UFC 244 in the UFC’s Octagon. The high-stakes battle concluded with an unsatisfactory doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Diaz’s eye, granting Masvidal the victory.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

7:00 p.m. – Mystics at Sparks – ESPN – $7

6:30 p.m. – Fever at Aces – ESPN – $100

7:10 p.m. – Diamondbacks at Dodgers –$33

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

7:00 p.m. – Mystics at Sparks – ESPN

6:30 p.m. – Fever at Aces – ESPN

6:40 p.m. – Angels at Athletics – Bally Sports West

7:10 p.m. – Diamondbacks at Dodgers – SportsNet LA  

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Lakers believe Bronny James can handle the NBA spotlight

The Sporting Tribune's Mark Medina talked to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, who says Bronny James is ready for the NBA.

New Lakers guard Bronny James has become accustomed toward living under his famous father’s shadow.

The Lakers have become accustomed toward remaining one of professional sports’ most iconic franchises for how they meld championship expectations, star power and drama together.

It only seems fitting then that the Lakers’ next compelling episode entails something that Hollywood producers would love to write. Less than a week after the Lakers hired LeBron James’ former podcast partner as their coach (JJ Redick), the Lakers selected James’ son with their No. 55 pick.

Will this highlight the Lakers’ latest sign of dysfunction? Or will this capture the Lakers’ latest example of brilliance?

By selecting Bronny, the Lakers all but assured that James will re-sign with the Lakers after he presumably declines his player option in hopes for a larger deal. Two years after expressing hope that he could play with his son in the NBA, LeBron and Bronny will become the NBA’s first father-son duo.

The Lakers face skepticism on their motives with selecting a player that averaged only 4.8 points on a 36.6% clip and 2.1 assists in only 19.3 minutes per game through 25 contests through his freshman season at USC. Bronny faces questions on his exact NBA trajectory after having such a limited role with the Trojans.

Continue reading here.

2. Analysis: SoFi still so-so for soccer heading into World Cup

The Sporting Tribune's Jeff Kennedy gives his review of SoFi Stadium as a soccer venue heading into the 2026 World Cup midway through the Copa America games.

The first thing I noticed was an electronic sign: ‘No Tailgating Allowed’. Among the throngs of supporters streaming from Century Boulevard toward SoFi Stadium, it was a relatively inconspicuous omen. But an omen nonetheless.

Considering this section of sprawling asphalt is normally the designated tailgating area for Rams and Chargers games, I couldn’t help but wonder why?

Sure, tailgating isn’t a pastime normally associated with soccer, but this wasn’t your normal soccer game. This was Sofi’s first truly prestigious soccer event. This was a Copa America group stage match. This was Costa Rica vs Brazil.

This was widely regarded as a warm up for the eight (yes, eight) matches Los Angeles will host during the 2026 World Cup — including two USMNT group stage games. And the first impression Los Angeles was making with fans — many of whom were traveling from another hemisphere — wasn’t a parade of supporters, or a fan zone or even an especially festive atmosphere.

It was “no tailgating.”

Continue reading here.

3. Noah Lyles on LeBron James-led Olympic Dream Team: ‘They gotta win’

Noah Lyles spoke out on the expectations for the U.S. Olympics men's basketball team months after sparking a global debate, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Jackson Thompson.

Noah Lyles has revealed his standard for the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in Paris.

With an Olympics roster led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, many have labeled this year’ U.S. team the second coming of “The Dream Team.” 

But after Lyles sparked a worldwide debate over the validity of the NBA champions declaring themselves “world champions” last August, the American sprinter isn’t so quick to give the team that label yet. 

“They gotta win, so we’ll see,” Lyles told The Sporting Tribune earlier this month at the USATF NYC Grand Prix .

Lyles’s original comments sparked the World-Champion debate in a press conference last August after sweeping the gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4×100-meter dash races at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Antwerp Belgium. 

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head,” he said then. “World champion of what? The United States?

“Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. — at times — but that ain’t the world. That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”

Continue reading here.

4. Summer of Stoke: X Games return with Ventura event

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games taking place in July, X Games Ventura offers fans stateside a chance to watch action sports royalty up close, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Michael Silver.

After last year’s successful return to California, the stage is set again as the action sports community takes over the Pacific Coast for X Games in Ventura.

More than 130 invited athletes will converge on Ventura’s beachside soil to battle in numerous Skateboarding, BMX and Moto X disciplines.

Contests will take place over the three-day weekend (June 28-30) with live concerts, food vendors and onsite activations keeping fans entertained under the summer sun.

Continue reading here.

5. Road to Breeders’ Cup: Stephen Foster sets early stage for Classic

Racing will take a break at Churchill Downs as the circuit moves to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, in the western and southern parts of the state, respectively.

The last weekend of the Spring Meet — which many of us know colloquially as the Derby Meet — is upon us here in Louisville.  Racing will take a break at Churchill Downs as the circuit moves to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, in the western and southern parts of the state, respectively.

Saturday features six stakes, three of them high level: the aforementioned Grade 1 Stephen Foster, a win-and-in for the $7M Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar; the Grade 2 Wise Dan, a two-turn turf race for older horses; and the Grade 2 Fleur De Lis, one of the best two turn dirt races for older female horses.

They’re all part of an all-stakes pick 6 to close the card Saturday, one which I’ll be covering in person.  You can listen to our hour-long pre-race coverage at 8 a.m. Saturday here.  It’ll include a Triple Crown recap from me, an interview with Trainer Cherie DeVaux — who sends Grade 3 Pimlico Special winner Pyrenees to the starting gate in the Foster — and Kaitlin Free, an on-track analyst at Churchill Downs. 

Continue reading here.

6. Masvidal looking forward to his rematch with Diaz

The summer blockbuster is scheduled for July 6 in Anaheim, CA, featuring a Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal rematch in a boxing ring, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Fredo Cervantes.

The highly anticipated fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, has been moved to the Honda Center in Anaheim. The 10-round light heavyweight showdown will take place on July 6 and will be available on Fanmio PPV.

Masvidal spoke with The Sporting Tribune before the big event. He talked about growing up in Miami, reflecting on their first encounter at Madison Square Garden and sharing his thoughts ahead of the main event against Diaz at the Honda Center.

In 2019, Diaz and Masvidal clashed for the inaugural BMF championship at UFC 244 in the UFC’s Octagon. The high-stakes battle concluded with an unsatisfactory doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Diaz’s eye, granting Masvidal the victory.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

4:00 p.m. – NHL Draft (Las Vegas) – $50

6:00 p.m. – Brazil vs. Paraguay (Copa America-Las Vegas) – $125

6:38 p.m. – Tigers at Angels – $8

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

4:00 p.m. – NHL Draft (Las Vegas) – ESPN

6:00 p.m. – Brazil vs. Paraguay (Copa America-Las Vegas) – FS1

6:38 p.m. – Tigers at Angels – Bally Sports West

7:00 p.m. – Sparks at Mercury – ION

7:15 p.m. – Dodgers at Giants – SportsNet LA

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you on Monday!

1. Swimming trials in NFL stadium ‘changed the sport’ forever

Nearly 300,000 fans attended the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials as SoFi Stadium was named the home of swimming for the 2028 Olympics, writes The Sporting Tribune's Scott Agness.

More than 1,000 U.S. swimming competitors, ranging from the age of 14 to 46, convened in Indianapolis with the same goal in mind: qualify for the Paris Olympics.

By the end of the nine-day U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis, 46 swimmers secured a coveted spot — an achievement years in the making.

This all took place inside Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Locals say that it’s the building that Hall of Famer Peyton Manning built — and there’s even a statue of him on the north end.

For the first time, the Olympic swimming trials were held inside a stadium. And that move was ultimately a massive success.

Continue reading here.

2. Lakers' Redick on scrutiny over lack of coaching experience: 'I don't give a ****’

The Sporting Tribune's Mark Medina writes JJ Redick doesn't care about critics who think he doesn't deserve to be the Lakers' coach.

In between interviews in which he talked to the Lakers about their coaching vacancy, JJ Redick readily admitted he spent time watching and reading commentary on why he isn’t.

“I’ve certainly heard everything,” Redick said. “It’s been a really interesting six weeks or so just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry.”

What did that engagement farming industry produce? Plenty.

That the Lakers hired Redick only because he appeared on the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James. That the Lakers actually preferred hiring Connecticut coach Dan Hurley once they realized he didn’t secure a contract extension following two consecutive NCAA title runs. That Redick is jumping into an unstable organization after fielding three different head coaches in the past five years. That Redick will become overwhelmed partly because of his of NBA head-coaching experience.

Continue reading here.

3. Noah Lyles on LeBron James-led Olympic Dream Team: ‘They gotta win’

Noah Lyles spoke out on the expectations for the U.S. Olympics men's basketball team months after sparking a global debate, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Jackson Thompson.

Noah Lyles has revealed his standard for the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in Paris.

With an Olympics roster led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, many have labeled this year’ U.S. team the second coming of “The Dream Team.” 

But after Lyles sparked a worldwide debate over the validity of the NBA champions declaring themselves “world champions” last August, the American sprinter isn’t so quick to give the team that label yet. 

“They gotta win, so we’ll see,” Lyles told The Sporting Tribune earlier this month at the USATF NYC Grand Prix .

Lyles’s original comments sparked the World-Champion debate in a press conference last August after sweeping the gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4×100-meter dash races at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Antwerp Belgium. 

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head,” he said then. “World champion of what? The United States?

“Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. — at times — but that ain’t the world. That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”

Continue reading here.

4. Summer of Stoke: X Games return with Ventura event

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games taking place in July, X Games Ventura offers fans stateside a chance to watch action sports royalty up close, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Michael Silver.

After last year’s successful return to California, the stage is set again as the action sports community takes over the Pacific Coast for X Games in Ventura.

More than 130 invited athletes will converge on Ventura’s beachside soil to battle in numerous Skateboarding, BMX and Moto X disciplines.

Contests will take place over the three-day weekend (June 28-30) with live concerts, food vendors and onsite activations keeping fans entertained under the summer sun.

Continue reading here.

5. ‘Fight Night’ in Las Vegas always has meant more than just boxing

The Sporting Tribune's W.G. Ramirez was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue's 100th card and recounts his memories of fight night in Las Vegas.

As I stood inside MGM’s Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue’s 100th boxing card, I couldn’t help but think about Oct. 2, 1980, the first time I remember attending a major fight card in Las Vegas.

My grandfather had secured ringside seats for “The Last Hurrah!”

Muhammad Ali’s effort against Larry Holmes was a far cry from any hurrah, but it certainly brought tears to my eyes. Watching Ali get pummeled into retirement wasn’t what I expected at 11 years old.

Here I thought Holmes was a nice guy for signing my autograph book before he ever even won a championship belt — he signed it “the future champ, Larry Holmes” — and I just watched him bring an end to “The Greatest.”

I also didn’t know it would be one of many fight nights I’d enjoy in Las Vegas, including what was supposed to be Holmes’ swan song nearly 15 years later (April 8, 1995), when he was tattered by Oliver McCall for the WBC World Heavyweight belt.

Continue reading here.

6. Masvidal looking forward to his rematch with Diaz

The summer blockbuster is scheduled for July 6 in Anaheim, CA, featuring a Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal rematch in a boxing ring, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Fredo Cervantes.

The highly anticipated fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, has been moved to the Honda Center in Anaheim. The 10-round light heavyweight showdown will take place on July 6 and will be available on Fanmio PPV.

Masvidal spoke with The Sporting Tribune before the big event. He talked about growing up in Miami, reflecting on their first encounter at Madison Square Garden and sharing his thoughts ahead of the main event against Diaz at the Honda Center.

In 2019, Diaz and Masvidal clashed for the inaugural BMF championship at UFC 244 in the UFC’s Octagon. The high-stakes battle concluded with an unsatisfactory doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Diaz’s eye, granting Masvidal the victory.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

1:07 p.m. – Athletics at Angels – $3

3:00 p.m. – Ecuador vs. Jamaica (Copa America-Las Vegas) – $62

6:00 p.m. – Mexico vs. Venezuela (Copa America-Los Angeles) – $221

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

1:07 p.m. – Athletics at Angels – Bally Sports West

3:00 p.m. – Ecuador vs. Jamaica (Copa America-Las Vegas) – FS1

5:10 p.m. – Dodgers at White Sox – SportsNet LA

6:00 p.m. – Mexico vs. Venezuela (Copa America-Los Angeles) – FS1

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Lakers' Redick on scrutiny over lack of coaching experience: 'I don't give a ****’

The Sporting Tribune's Mark Medina writes JJ Redick doesn't care about critics who think he doesn't deserve to be the Lakers' coach.

In between interviews in which he talked to the Lakers about their coaching vacancy, JJ Redick readily admitted he spent time watching and reading commentary on why he isn’t.

“I’ve certainly heard everything,” Redick said. “It’s been a really interesting six weeks or so just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry.”

What did that engagement farming industry produce? Plenty.

That the Lakers hired Redick only because he appeared on the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James. That the Lakers actually preferred hiring Connecticut coach Dan Hurley once they realized he didn’t secure a contract extension following two consecutive NCAA title runs. That Redick is jumping into an unstable organization after fielding three different head coaches in the past five years. That Redick will become overwhelmed partly because of his of NBA head-coaching experience.

Continue reading here.

2. Noah Lyles on LeBron James-led Olympic Dream Team: ‘They gotta win’

Noah Lyles spoke out on the expectations for the U.S. Olympics men's basketball team months after sparking a global debate, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Jackson Thompson.

Noah Lyles has revealed his standard for the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in Paris.

With an Olympics roster led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, many have labeled this year’ U.S. team the second coming of “The Dream Team.” 

But after Lyles sparked a worldwide debate over the validity of the NBA champions declaring themselves “world champions” last August, the American sprinter isn’t so quick to give the team that label yet. 

“They gotta win, so we’ll see,” Lyles told The Sporting Tribune earlier this month at the USATF NYC Grand Prix .

Lyles’s original comments sparked the World-Champion debate in a press conference last August after sweeping the gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4×100-meter dash races at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Antwerp Belgium. 

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head,” he said then. “World champion of what? The United States?

“Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. — at times — but that ain’t the world. That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”

Continue reading here.

3. Summer of Stoke: X Games return with Ventura event

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games taking place in July, X Games Ventura offers fans stateside a chance to watch action sports royalty up close, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Michael Silver.

After last year’s successful return to California, the stage is set again as the action sports community takes over the Pacific Coast for X Games in Ventura.

More than 130 invited athletes will converge on Ventura’s beachside soil to battle in numerous Skateboarding, BMX and Moto X disciplines.

Contests will take place over the three-day weekend (June 28-30) with live concerts, food vendors and onsite activations keeping fans entertained under the summer sun.

Continue reading here.

4. ‘Fight Night’ in Las Vegas always has meant more than just boxing

The Sporting Tribune's W.G. Ramirez was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue's 100th card and recounts his memories of fight night in Las Vegas.

As I stood inside MGM’s Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue’s 100th boxing card, I couldn’t help but think about Oct. 2, 1980, the first time I remember attending a major fight card in Las Vegas.

My grandfather had secured ringside seats for “The Last Hurrah!”

Muhammad Ali’s effort against Larry Holmes was a far cry from any hurrah, but it certainly brought tears to my eyes. Watching Ali get pummeled into retirement wasn’t what I expected at 11 years old.

Here I thought Holmes was a nice guy for signing my autograph book before he ever even won a championship belt — he signed it “the future champ, Larry Holmes” — and I just watched him bring an end to “The Greatest.”

I also didn’t know it would be one of many fight nights I’d enjoy in Las Vegas, including what was supposed to be Holmes’ swan song nearly 15 years later (April 8, 1995), when he was tattered by Oliver McCall for the WBC World Heavyweight belt.

Continue reading here.

5. San Diego Wave fires Casey Stoney mid-season

The San Diego Wave announced that it had parted ways with Casey Stoney, the only coach the team has ever known, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Michelle Chavez.

The San Diego Wave announced Monday that it had parted ways with Casey Stoney, the only coach the team has ever known.

Assistant coach Paul Buckle will serve as the interim coach as organization searches for a permanent replacement.

The news comes amid a seven-game winless streak that has plagued the team since early May.

“We are immensely grateful to Casey for her commitment to our club and the positive impact she has had both on and off the pitch.” Wave F.C. President Jill Ellis said Monday in a statement. “Over the past seasons, Casey has guided us to significant milestones, and her contributions have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation on which to build.

“The decision to part ways was very hard and not made in haste, but given the ambition of this club, and where we are in our season, we felt a change was necessary at this time.”

Continue reading here.

6. Mattmann named UCLA’s Chief Data & Artificial Officer

Chris Mattmann, who co-founded The Sporting Tribune with Arash Markazi in 2022, was the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at NASA JPL.

The Sporting Tribune’s Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Chris Mattmann, has been named UCLA’s Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer.
 
In this role Mattmann, who co-founded The Sporting Tribune with Arash Markazi in 2022, will collaborate with key stakeholders to develop the strategy and roadmap for data and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations. He will help establish practices to monitor the value of the portfolio of AI investments and coordinate with technology service owners to facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies, ensuring that ethical and responsible practices are followed. He will also play a crucial role in identifying and leveraging opportunities for advanced data, analytics, and AI across the campus community. By fostering both internal and external partnerships, he will enhance the organization’s pursuit of data and AI solutions, significantly advancing the university’s digital capabilities in support of UCLA’s mission.
 
Mattmann , who will continue with his role with The Sporting Tribune, joins UCLA from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he was the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer. He has an established track record of conducting award-winning innovative use of technology and data throughout his career. As a Principal Scientist at JPL, he created the next-generation data processing systems used in NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory and other earth science missions. Chris’ work has been funded by NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and private industry. He also contributed to open-source technology development and was a member of the Board of Directors at the Apache Software Foundation (2013-18).

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

6:38 p.m. – Athletics at Angels – $3

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

5:10 p.m. – Dodgers at White Sox – SportsNet LA

6:38 p.m. – Athletics at Angels – Bally Sports West

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Nyjah and the Olympic youth movement

The Sporting Tribune's Michael Silver writes about a new wave of athletes ushering in the era of social media and action sports stars.

In a nondescript warehouse tucked away in the suburbs of Orange County, a generational talent perfects his craft. A playground of steel and concrete ramps, ledges and stairs painted purple and black provide a canvas for Nyjah Huston to create. 

The 29-year-old professional skateboarder spends countless hours in his private skatepark practicing flip tricks and grinds. A dedication that started when he was only five. By age 10 he had won his first major competition and put everyone on notice. 

He has since become the highest paid street skater in the world and amassing a global fanbase with five million followers on Instagram. Huston is the most decorated street skater of his era, earning victories in every competition under the sun but one, the Summer Olympics.

Continue reading here.

2. The Sporting Tribune’s 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

The Sporting Tribune's Taylor Blake Ward gives his first version of the MLB Mock Draft.

Many ask why I wait until June to start writing mock drafts -- which is a pretty reasonable question. To keep it simple, there just isn't enough information about club's real interest in players until around this point in the draft, which is evidently later in the calendar than in years prior due to the draft date.

The rumor mill can start as early as it wants to and it's up to whomever will listen to the rumors as to how much they'll believe what they're told or hear. Though it remains a constant cycle of information (and misinformation), we are in the late stages of the grapevine chatter and getting into more concrete material. That comes with the caveat that it is still scuttlebutt, which doesn't merit fact.

Super Regionals are over and teams destined for Omaha have been decided. For the youngsters, they're sporting caps and gowns as opposed to ballcaps and stirrups. Most players have seen their seasons conclude with a few exceptions, whether on the collegiate or prep side, while some will head off to wood bat leagues before the draft.

Continue reading here.

3. Kershaw shows promise in 1st rehab start since shoulder surgery

Clayton Kershaw excelled in his first rehab start for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Wednesday after undergoing shoulder surgery at the end of last season, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Fredo Cervantes.

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw threw three innings of two-hit ball in his first minor-league rehabilitation appearance Wednesday night at LoanMart Field.

Throwing for Low-A affiliate the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, he allowed two hits and one run while striking out five hitters. He is trying to return from Nov. 3. surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder.

Helping the Quakes earn a 6-2 victory over the Inland Empire 66ers, Kershaw faced 11 batters and threw 36 pitches with 26 strikes.

Continue reading here.

4. ‘Fight Night’ in Las Vegas always has meant more than just boxing

The Sporting Tribune's W.G. Ramirez was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue's 100th card and recounts his memories of fight night in Las Vegas.

As I stood inside MGM’s Grand Garden Arena for a celebration of the venue’s 100th boxing card, I couldn’t help but think about Oct. 2, 1980, the first time I remember attending a major fight card in Las Vegas.

My grandfather had secured ringside seats for “The Last Hurrah!”

Muhammad Ali’s effort against Larry Holmes was a far cry from any hurrah, but it certainly brought tears to my eyes. Watching Ali get pummeled into retirement wasn’t what I expected at 11 years old.

Here I thought Holmes was a nice guy for signing my autograph book before he ever even won a championship belt — he signed it “the future champ, Larry Holmes” — and I just watched him bring an end to “The Greatest.”

I also didn’t know it would be one of many fight nights I’d enjoy in Las Vegas, including what was supposed to be Holmes’ swan song nearly 15 years later (April 8, 1995), when he was tattered by Oliver McCall for the WBC World Heavyweight belt.

Continue reading here.

5. Sparks play first of two games in New York against Liberty

The Sparks will play two games in three nights against the New York Liberty, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Rey Moralde.

The road has gotten a lot tougher for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Cameron Brink was diagnosed with a torn ACL on Wednesday. Brink will likely miss the rest of her rookie season and will also very likely miss the Olympics as she was chosen to be part of the 3×3 Women’s national team. A speedy recovery to Brink.

The rest of the team will miss her defensive presence as well as some of her scoring. Brink averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per in the 15 games she played.

Who will take her place in the line-up? The 6’7” Li Yueru took her minutes when she left the game on Tuesday. She’s not the defensive ace Brink is but she is good around the basket and can surprise people with her agility. Li has a nice midrange J, too.

So with Brink out, it’ll be a significant change for the Sparks. They will rally around their fallen teammate and hope to finish the road trip strong.

Continue reading here.

6. Aces top Storm in Chelsea Gray’s return

The Aces’ Point Gawd made her return on Wednesday night, albeit in a limited capacity off the bench, as the Aces beat the Storm 94-83, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Will Despart.

It’s been a tough go of things for the Aces, there’s no doubt about that. But Wednesday night’s 94-83 victory over the Storm punctuated what was surely the best night of the season so far for the two-time defending champions. 

The Aces vibes were high with the impending return of Chelsea Gray expected. When Gray checked in for the first time of the season midway through the first quarter, Michelob Ultra Arena went ballistic for the Point Gawd in what was surely the loudest moment of the game. 

“Just a lot of emotion,” Gray said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out on that court, but the fans, they were amazing from the time I came out to warm up to the time I checked into the game. It was great. Just a rush and a feeling that I missed a lot.”

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game Friday:

7:00 p.m. – Sun at Aces – $20

7:10 p.m. – Angels at Dodgers – $60

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region Friday:

7:00 p.m. – Sun at Aces – ION

7:10 p.m. – Angels at Dodgers – SportsNet LA

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you Monday!

1. MGM Grand Garden Arena will celebrate its 100th fight card

The Sporting Tribune's Steve Carp writes about the venerable arena, which will host Tank Davis vs. Frank Martin Saturday night.

We’ve seen banners raised for championship hockey teams and women’s basketball teams. For indoor soccer teams and minor league baseball teams.

Thursday, the folks at MGM gathered at the Grand Garden Arena to raise a banner — to themselves.

The facility, which opened in 1994 with the express purpose of taking the crown from Caesars Palace as Las Vegas’ mecca for boxing, will stage its 100th fight card Saturday night as Gervonta “Tank” Davis (29-0, 27 knockouts) will look to defend his WBA lightweight belt against undefeated Frank Martin (18-0, 12 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round contest.  

Whether Davis-Martin makes its own special history, we’ll have to wait and see. But among those previous 99 fight cards staged in the Grand Garden, we’ve witnessed some of the best to lace up a pair of gloves.

Mike Tyson. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Manny Pacquiao. Oscar De La Hoya. Julio Cesar Chavez. Evander Holyfield. George Foreman. Canelo Alvarez. Miguel Cotto. Shane Mosley. Bernard Hopkins. The MGM could open its own Boxing Hall of Fame with all the greats that have graced its ring over the decades.

Continue reading here.

2. The Sporting Tribune’s 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

The Sporting Tribune's Taylor Blake Ward gives his first version of the MLB Mock Draft.

Many ask why I wait until June to start writing mock drafts -- which is a pretty reasonable question. To keep it simple, there just isn't enough information about club's real interest in players until around this point in the draft, which is evidently later in the calendar than in years prior due to the draft date.

The rumor mill can start as early as it wants to and it's up to whomever will listen to the rumors as to how much they'll believe what they're told or hear. Though it remains a constant cycle of information (and misinformation), we are in the late stages of the grapevine chatter and getting into more concrete material. That comes with the caveat that it is still scuttlebutt, which doesn't merit fact.

Super Regionals are over and teams destined for Omaha have been decided. For the youngsters, they're sporting caps and gowns as opposed to ballcaps and stirrups. Most players have seen their seasons conclude with a few exceptions, whether on the collegiate or prep side, while some will head off to wood bat leagues before the draft.

Continue reading here.

3. Is Trevor Zegras Staying in Anaheim?

Trade rumors about the Ducks star are routinely rampant, but something feels different this time, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Danny Evans.

It’s Trevor Zegras trade rumor season again, but this time the rumors are quite a bit more ferocious. The following tweets were written Monday morning by a Montreal-based analyst for TSN, the Canadian sister station to ESPN.

The message here is not merely that this fan doesn’t want his precious Montreal Canadiens to trade either of their top prospects for Zegras; it’s that Zegras isn’t very good. He doesn’t “have what it takes.”

This is, of course, utter nonsense. We could present the statistics and video evidence that suffocate these ignorant and entirely biased claims, but why bother? Any discussion that begins with a failure to acknowledge Zegras’ remarkable gifts is a non-starter. There is no point in formulating a viable argument against some so blinded by his bias.

Still, there have been opportunities for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to stomp out the incessant Zegras trade rumors, most notably last week when he was asked about them by Pierre LeBrun. Verbeek declined to answer any such questions and his silence is telling. Given his tendency to sign and draft big, powerful hockey players like Cutter Gauthier (six-foot-two, 189), Leo Carlsson (six-three, 194), and Sam Colangelo (six-two, 205), Zegras’ six-foot, 185-pound frame is an outlier. 

Verbeek is constructing a team he expects to be very difficult to play against and Zegras, while incredibly skilled, literally doesn’t fit the mold of the aforementioned Ducks. Does Verbeek’s preferred player profile mean a smaller speedster like Zegras can’t coexist? Only Verbeek knows that answer, and he’s not telling.

Continue reading here.

4. Herbert praises Harbaugh, “It’s been an honor to play for him”

The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez on Justin Herbert being excited about playing under Jim Harbaugh.

What was attractive about the Los Angeles Chargers job opening last January was the chance to work with quarterback Justin Herbert.

In his first four seasons in the NFL, Herbert did not have continuity in the coaching staff. He has had three offensive coordinators in four seasons and two head coaches in four years.

Now that Jim Harbaugh is his new head coach, there could be continuity and winning, something that hasn’t happened much in his first four seasons. 

“He’s done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go,” Herbert said. “He’s won wherever he’s at. He’s a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for.”

Harbaugh has won with Josh Johnson, Andrew Luck, Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, and JJ McCarthy. He has never had a quarterback like Herbert in the NFL. 

Since OTA’s began, Harbaugh has had a veteran player stand up and speak to the team after practice. On the final day of minicamp, it was Herbert’s turn.

“If we’re going to be the team we want to be, it starts now,” Herbert told reporters later. “It’s starts when we’re on our own and having that level of loyalty and dedication and integrity.”

Continue reading here.

5. San Diego F.C. present excitement with Chucky Lozano signing

The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez on why the Chucky Lozano signing was a step in the right direction for San Diego FC

San Diego F.C. presented Mexican star forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano in front of over 10,000 fans at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Thursday night.

He is the expansion team’s first designated player and was greeted by thundering cheers of “El Chucky Lozano,” a chant that he receives from Mexican fans worldwide.

Player presentations are not common outside of the world of football, but Lozano’s didn’t disappoint. Reggaeton artist Lunay performed before the Mexican star was presented. Then smoke, pyro, and fireworks lit up the sky as Lozano was showered with love from the San Diego FC fans.

Continue reading here.

6. McGregor out of UFC 303, Pereira vs. Procházka to headline

After sustaining an injury, Conor McGregor has pulled out of his scheduled bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Procházka will serve as the replacement headliner, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Max Nichol.

The MMA world has been ripe with confusion over the past two weeks. Following the culmination of UFC 302 in Newark, all eyes were set on the promotions next PPV event: a highly anticipated bout between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor. But, when a press-conference between the two fighters was unexpectedly canceled on less than twelve hours notice, it was clear that something was awry.

On June 3, the UFC announced that the McGregor-Chandler press conference set for the same day in McGregor’s home city of Dublin, Ireland, would be canceled without any news of rescheduling. Reports later came out that Michael Chandler was en-route to Dublin when he was given the news of the cancellation, forcing him to return to his home in Texas. This immediately raised concerns among the MMA community with suspicions that something had happened regarding Conor McGregor, and that the upcoming bout could potentially be in jeopardy.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game today:

7:10 p.m. – Royals at Dodgers – $28

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region today:

4:30 p.m. – Sparks at Lynx – ION

7:10 p.m. – Royals at Dodgers – SportsNet LA

7:15 p.m. – Angels at Giants – Apple TV+

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

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That’s it for today. Talk to you Monday!

1. How Jerry West impacted the NBA beyond his extensive resume

The Sporting Tribune's Mark Medina writes about the impact Jerry West had on the NBA and basketball in California after his passing.

The phone call always started the same. Though the caller ID and his distinguishable voice already provided the answer, the NBA’s most accomplished player and executive still identified himself.

“Mark, this is Jerry West.”

The phone call then veered in different directions, depending on the topic or his mood.  

Sometimes, West made me laugh with his unfiltered opinions on nearly any NBA topic, team or player . Sometimes, West made me feel inspired when he talked about his accomplished career both as an NBA player and an executive.

Sometimes, West made me tear up when he reflected on his personal losses, including his brother that died in the Korean War (David) and his favorite former teammate that passed away in 2021 (Elgin Baylor). Sometimes, West directly declined to comment on the topic at hand before respectfully wishing me well.

Continue reading here.

2. The Sporting Tribune’s 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

The Sporting Tribune's Taylor Blake Ward gives his first version of the MLB Mock Draft.

Many ask why I wait until June to start writing mock drafts -- which is a pretty reasonable question. To keep it simple, there just isn't enough information about club's real interest in players until around this point in the draft, which is evidently later in the calendar than in years prior due to the draft date.

The rumor mill can start as early as it wants to and it's up to whomever will listen to the rumors as to how much they'll believe what they're told or hear. Though it remains a constant cycle of information (and misinformation), we are in the late stages of the grapevine chatter and getting into more concrete material. That comes with the caveat that it is still scuttlebutt, which doesn't merit fact.

Super Regionals are over and teams destined for Omaha have been decided. For the youngsters, they're sporting caps and gowns as opposed to ballcaps and stirrups. Most players have seen their seasons conclude with a few exceptions, whether on the collegiate or prep side, while some will head off to wood bat leagues before the draft.

Continue reading here.

3. Is Trevor Zegras Staying in Anaheim?

Trade rumors about the Ducks star are routinely rampant, but something feels different this time, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Danny Evans.

It’s Trevor Zegras trade rumor season again, but this time the rumors are quite a bit more ferocious. The following tweets were written Monday morning by a Montreal-based analyst for TSN, the Canadian sister station to ESPN.

The message here is not merely that this fan doesn’t want his precious Montreal Canadiens to trade either of their top prospects for Zegras; it’s that Zegras isn’t very good. He doesn’t “have what it takes.”

This is, of course, utter nonsense. We could present the statistics and video evidence that suffocate these ignorant and entirely biased claims, but why bother? Any discussion that begins with a failure to acknowledge Zegras’ remarkable gifts is a non-starter. There is no point in formulating a viable argument against some so blinded by his bias.

Still, there have been opportunities for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to stomp out the incessant Zegras trade rumors, most notably last week when he was asked about them by Pierre LeBrun. Verbeek declined to answer any such questions and his silence is telling. Given his tendency to sign and draft big, powerful hockey players like Cutter Gauthier (six-foot-two, 189), Leo Carlsson (six-three, 194), and Sam Colangelo (six-two, 205), Zegras’ six-foot, 185-pound frame is an outlier. 

Verbeek is constructing a team he expects to be very difficult to play against and Zegras, while incredibly skilled, literally doesn’t fit the mold of the aforementioned Ducks. Does Verbeek’s preferred player profile mean a smaller speedster like Zegras can’t coexist? Only Verbeek knows that answer, and he’s not telling.

Continue reading here.

4. Critical baserunning error dooms Dodgers

The Dodgers come one play away from tying game in 9th as Texas survives late rally, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Grant Mona.

The Dodgers had the game come down to the final play at the plate, but ultimately a lack of offense proved to be the difference in the 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

Walker Buehler looked to be cruising through five innings, but a Corey Seager three run blast in that fifth was all the Rangers needed to defeat the Dodgers. 

Buehler went five innings and was not helped out by his defense, as newcomer Cavan Biggio made a critical error to extend the inning and allow Seager to drive in all three runs on his blast deep in the right field seats. 

The Rangers actually out-hit the Dodgers on Wednesday night 8-7, but the late rally was the killer. Nobody had a multi-hit game for Los Angeles and they still came within a single throw to the plate to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. 

Continue reading here.

5. Angels bounce back against Diamondbacks behind Soriano’s strong start

The Angels bounced back in a big way, collecting 14 hits and putting up eight or more runs for the second time in the last three games, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Holdenn Graff.

Starter Jose Soriano dazzled on the mound while the Angels’ offense jumped into action early to help earn an 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Wednesday night.

Soriano was elite for most of the evening and even managed to pitch into the ninth inning before being pulled. He provided his deepest start of the season, finishing with eight innings and allowing five hits. The hard-throwing righty improved to 4-5 behind his second straight win.

He has now allowed just three earned runs across 14 total innings in June so far. Thanks to some solid defense behind him, he was able to negate early traffic on the bases and deliver a big-time start for the Angels.

The Los Angeles lineup was clicking on all cylinders. They were aggressive early, plating seven of their eight runs within the first four innings. Jo Adell and Zach Neto each blasted homers to help the Angels pad their lead. The team has now put up at least 11 hits in each of their last three games, going 2-1 in that span.

Neto and Nolan Schanuel each collected three hits, combining for six of the team’s 14. Matt Thais was the only starter for Los Angeles who did not manage to record a hit in the contest.

Continue reading here.

6. Merrill’s walk-off homer secures Padres’ first series sweep

Jackson Merrill blasted a solo home run in the ninth inning Wednesday and the Padres pulled out a 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Daniel Zhevel.

Another day, another walk-off and it came just at the right time, giving the Padres their first series sweep of the season. 

Jackson Merrill blasted a solo home run in the ninth inning Wednesday afternoon and the Padres pulled out a 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Petco Park – a day after Kyle Higashioka’s walk-off blast.

Merrill, who homered to center in the fifth, turned on the first pitch he saw from A’s reliever Mason Miller and sent it 369 feet to the Petco Porch in right field.

Padres right-hander Michael King pitched five innings and struck out 12 A’s, tying the San Diego record strikeouts in five innings. Wandy Peralta relieved King in the sixth, allowing two runners to score that were put on by King, and an additional run of his own.

Then after missing Tuesday because of illness, Jeremiah Estrada gave up a double to A’s second baseman Zack Gelof and put the A’s up 4-2 in the top of the eighth inning.

Donovan Solano opened the scoring his solo homer in the second off A’s left-handed starter Hogan Harris. He tied the game in the eighth when he launched his second homer of the game to left-center off A’s reliever Lucas Ecreg.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game Tuesday:

7:10 p.m. – Rangers at Dodgers – $51

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region Tuesday:

6:30 p.m. – Angels at Diamondbacks – Bally Sports

7:00 p.m. – Aces at Mercury – Prime Video

7:10 p.m. – Rangers at Dodgers – SportsNet LA

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

1. Four Aces picked for Team USA while Clark is rightfully left off

The Sporting Tribune's Will Despart explains why the Aces' four core members made the US Olympic team over Caitlin Clark.

Saturday morning, the United States Olympic women’s basketball roster was revealed by various sources. This roster includes Las Vegas Aces stars A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum. All of whom have rightfully earned their spot among the 12 American women’s basketball players who will be representing the country. 

It will be the second trip to the Olympics as national team members for Wilson and Gray, who were gold medal winners in 2021. Young and Plum were gold medalists for the United States’ 3×3 team, but will be making their debut on the big 5×5 stage in the Olympics for the first time in August.

Continue reading here.

2. The Sporting Tribune’s 2024 MLB Mock Draft 1.0

The Sporting Tribune's Taylor Blake Ward gives his first version of the MLB Mock Draft.

Many ask why I wait until June to start writing mock drafts -- which is a pretty reasonable question. To keep it simple, there just isn't enough information about club's real interest in players until around this point in the draft, which is evidently later in the calendar than in years prior due to the draft date.

The rumor mill can start as early as it wants to and it's up to whomever will listen to the rumors as to how much they'll believe what they're told or hear. Though it remains a constant cycle of information (and misinformation), we are in the late stages of the grapevine chatter and getting into more concrete material. That comes with the caveat that it is still scuttlebutt, which doesn't merit fact.

Super Regionals are over and teams destined for Omaha have been decided. For the youngsters, they're sporting caps and gowns as opposed to ballcaps and stirrups. Most players have seen their seasons conclude with a few exceptions, whether on the collegiate or prep side, while some will head off to wood bat leagues before the draft.

Continue reading here.

3. Sparks score upset against two-time defending champion Aces

The Sparks upset the Aces and win their second straight game in a loud Crypto.com Arena crowd, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Rey Morade.

The Sparks suddenly have it going.

In front of nearly 14,000 people in Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Sparks defeat the Las Vegas Aces, 96-92, in an emotional roller coaster of a contest.

The Aces were already down Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. But it didn’t seem to matter early when they put the Sparks in a 14-0 hole.

Still, Coach Curt Miller emphasized crashing the glass and the Sparks did that by limiting the Aces on the offensive boards. L.A. won the overall rebounding battle, 36-23, and the offensive glass, 8-4. Las Vegas being limited to one shot helped Los Angeles get back and then ahead in the game.

Continue reading here.

4. Angel City drop points again, Gotham wins

Angel City is winless in four straight matches after losing to Gotham, 2-1, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Kamran Nia.

Another week. Another game without a win. Another close, but not a good enough performance for Angel City. The team is looking to get back to winning ways.

Angel City lost 2-1 to Gotham, marking their fourth straight match without a win. 

Gotham created higher-quality looks by capitalizing on Angel City’s lapses, generating 1.82 expected goals (xG) compared to 0.45 xG for Angel City. That helped them find the back of the net twice through a 26th-minute goal by forward Crystal Dunn and a 62th-minute score by midfielder Rose Lavelle. 

Despite Gotham’s goals, Angel City could have matched their total. But Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger came up clutch, making five saves to seal the 2-1 victory. 

Midfielder Clarisse Le Bihan was a catalyst in the Angel City attack, especially early in the second half. She mostly made an impact through her playmaking, completing 24-of-27 accurate passes and making two key passes, according to Sofascore.

Continue reading here.

5. O’Hoppe’s walk-off home run launches Angels over Astros

Logan O’Hoppe’s first walk-off home run secured the Angels a 9-7 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday and a series victory, writes Taylor Arrey.

Catcher Logan O’Hoppe hit a walk-off two-run offer, propelling the Angels to a 9-7 victory against the Houston Astros on Sunday at Angel Stadium.

The Angels catcher launched his first career walk-off homer against Astros closer Josh Hader, but that was part of his remarkable day. He also stole his first MLB base and recorded his second career four-hit game.  

“Yeah, I don’t know what’s going on today,” O’Hoppe said. “I think it’s just about staying disciplined and keeping it simple.

“It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the situation and the things that could happen as a result of it. But keep it simple, stick to what you’re good at and then execute that plan.” 

Continue reading here.

6. Dodgers fall short to Yankees in series finale

Tyler Glasnow was roughed up and the offense fell just short late as Los Angeles now heads back home with crucial series win, writes The Sporting Tribune’s Grant Mona.

Tyler Glasnow was roughed up and the Dodgers’ offense came up just short as the Yankees salvaged the last game of the series on Sunday, 6-4.

Gavin Lux had one of the best games of his season, going 3-for-4 with a run scored, however the Dodgers’ offense was 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Teoscar Hernandez continued his scorching hot play at the plate, launching his 16th home run of the season in the 6th inning off of Luis Gil. 

The Dodgers put the tying run on first and the go-ahead run at the plate, but Clay Holmes struck out Mookie Betts to end the threat and the game.

Gil had one of his worst starts of the past month, but still got through five innings in a very solid effort. He gave up three runs and struck out five while walking one. ractice on Thursday. We talked about Los Angeles, Canada, how the team is doing, her health, and other things.

Continue reading here.

7. Video of the Day

Make sure to subscribe to The Sporting Tribune YouTube page for all of our latest videos:

8. Ticket Time

Here are the “get in” prices for tickets if you’re thinking about going to a game Tuesday:

7:00 p.m. – Lynx at Aces – $29

7:10 p.m. – Rangers at Dodgers – $37

9. On the Air

Here are the game times and television channels for professional teams in the region Tuesday:

6:30 p.m. – Angels at Diamondbacks – Bally Sports West

7:00 p.m. – Sparks at Storm – Spectrum SportsNet

7:00 p.m. – Lynx at Aces – NBA TV

7:10 p.m. – Rangers at Dodgers – SportsNet LA

10. The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune

Listen to The Arash Markazi Show presented by The Sporting Tribune on The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio in Southern California, 98.5 The Bet in Las Vegas and the Hawaii Sports Radio Network 95.1 FM and 760 AM in Hawaii. You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher. You can also watch every Friday on BLEAV on FuboTV.

Thank you for reading. Please click below to subscribe to The Morning Column presented by The Sporting Tribune. It’s free and will be delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.

Subscribe now

That’s it for today. Talk to you tomorrow!