https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mkljkqmpic2yLakers' Austin Reaves on main factor on if he plays Game 5 vs Rockets: "The main thing is to get me out there as fast as I can with not putting me at risk to reinjure myself. Everyone has been extremely positive through this whole process." @essentiallysports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yazspmwj https://tinyurl.com/yazspmwj28 Apr 2026 21:26 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkljkqmpic2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mkio7ibs7k2fThunder's Chet Holmgren: "I can be and should be a lot better in a lot of areas. But I’m continuing to trust the work that I do over the summer and the work that I do during the season." @forbes.com dispatch on Holmgren's improvement tinyurl.com/vjk9ymbs https://tinyurl.com/vjk9ymbs27 Apr 2026 18:11 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkio7ibs7k2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mkfxzm42rc27Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on De'Aaron Fox's value to this year's playoff team: "He probably is the most unsung reason why this has all worked." My @forbes.com dispatch tinyurl.com/4v6mzuhv https://tinyurl.com/4v6mzuhv26 Apr 2026 16:29 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkfxzm42rc27https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mk72sxed7k2dJonnie West spoke to @essentiallysports.bsky.social about Jerry West's documentary on @amazonprime.bsky.social , speaking at Jerry's 3rd HOF induction, Jerry trading for Kobe/acquiring Shaq, competitive intensity stories and his complicated relationship with the Lakers tinyurl.com/3358ws7t https://tinyurl.com/3358ws7t23 Apr 2026 22:30 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk72sxed7k2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mk3w3eiuyk2dLakers' Luka Dončić & Austin Reaves have been itching to play in the postseason. But with their sensitive injuries & Lakers in firm command over Rockets, the Lakers have little upside in having them return this series. For @athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/3tcu2nd4 https://tinyurl.com/3tcu2nd422 Apr 2026 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk3w3eiuyk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mk3uxxrlvs2bLakers' Marcus Smart spoke to @essentiallysports.bsky.social on staying durable after injuries, LeBron James' dunking at 41 years old, Luka Dončić/Austin Reaves' spirits during injuries & stressing to them not to rush back. tinyurl.com/mu53cccu https://tinyurl.com/mu53cccu22 Apr 2026 16:07 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk3uxxrlvs2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mk2ltzidf22mLakers with a 54-51 half-time lead over the Rockets. Despite the Lakers' various trapping and doubles, Kevin Durant still with 20 points on 6-for-7 clip and 7-for-7 mark from free-throw line22 Apr 2026 03:51 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk2ltzidf22mhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mk2juntjvs2pLakers with 33-26 lead over Rockets after 1st Q. Marcus Smart (14 points) and Luke Kennard (10 points) leading the way with a combined 5-for-7 from 3. Kevin Durant has 11 points on a 4-for-5 clip, but already has 2 fouls.22 Apr 2026 03:16 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk2juntjvs2phttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjujkbafzs2vLakers' Marcus Smart on LeBron James as facilitator in Game 1 vs Rockets even without Luka Dončić & Austin Reaves: "He knows when to exert the energy. But I think it speaks volume to who he is as a leader. He instills trust in his guys." @essentiallysports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/2n4eznvn https://tinyurl.com/2n4eznvn19 Apr 2026 17:54 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjujkbafzs2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjufmp5xc22aNBA Playoffs: Why Thunder have the right ingredients to defend their NBA championship. For @forbes.com tinyurl.com/mr2ztfm2 https://tinyurl.com/mr2ztfm219 Apr 2026 16:44 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjufmp5xc22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjstperemk24Lakers have a 50-48 halftime lead over the Rockets. Lakers have a lot of ball movement and defending Alperen Sengun well. But Rockets winning on boards & both teams are struggling with turnovers.19 Apr 2026 01:51 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjstperemk24https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjssdbbubc24Bronny with the great entry pass to LeBron. LeBron with the great behind-the-back pass to Ayton. Family sharing the ball well.19 Apr 2026 01:26 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjssdbbubc24https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjsruqa6fk24Lakers with a 33-29 first-quarter lead over the Rockets. Luke Kennard is spearheading most of teh scoring (11 points). LeBron James (8 assists) and Marcus Smart (4 assists) are facilitating. But Rockets winning early rebounding battle (8-4) and pretty strong with attacking basket & shooting from 319 Apr 2026 01:18 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjsruqa6fk24https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjrvsovh5k2oFive NBA assistant coaches shared with @essentiallysports.bsky.social their MVP & Rookie of the Year picks. MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), Nikola Jokić (2), Victor Wembanyama (1). ROY: Kon Knueppel (4), Cooper Flagg (1). The coaches aren't on teams w/ any candidates. tinyurl.com/muety54e https://tinyurl.com/muety54e18 Apr 2026 16:56 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjrvsovh5k2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjrofhpcc22qRobert Horry spoke to @thergmedia.bsky.social on why he believes the Lakers can still beat the Rockets in playoffs playoff without Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves. Horry, a Spectrum SportsNet analyst, also spoke on why he calls on Lakers to feature Deandre Ayton more tinyurl.com/ypwnf6xz18 Apr 2026 14:43 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjrofhpcc22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjpvvcdfek2g@torontoraptor.bsky.social rookie Collin Murray-Boyles spoke to @forbes.com about his growth, his outlook on making an NBA All-Rookie team, how he has dealt with a thumb injury and what drives him: "Winning as many games and as many championships as possible." tinyurl.com/mpwc5kn9 https://tinyurl.com/mpwc5kn917 Apr 2026 21:52 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjpvvcdfek2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjnfvunm3c2mCan LeBron James lead Lakers to a playoff upset over the Rockets without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves? Tough task, but Lakers have liked LeBron's adaptability. JJ Redick: "He sets the tone with buying into what the team needs." My @forbes.com dispatch tinyurl.com/ydxa75bk16 Apr 2026 22:00 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjnfvunm3c2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjms75ghxk2dI'm contributing some NBA coverage to @forbes.com . My first dispatch on Warriors star Stephen Curry & how he leaned on his skill and resiliency to ensure a Play-In tournament win over the Clippers. Steve Kerr: "This is why Steph came back." tinyurl.com/77twcrnp16 Apr 2026 16:08 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjms75ghxk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjlltfew2c2sSteph Curry drills a corner 3 for a 120-117 lead with 50.4 second left. He falls into a group of Clippers courtside fans. He then immediately props himself up and talks trash to them. 😂16 Apr 2026 04:41 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjlltfew2c2shttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjhzhak52227Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis to @essentiallysports.bsky.social about Steph Curry: “Steph could easily be like, ‘This is not our year. Let me get this knee right for next year.’ But for him to fight back & try to come back with this group that we have speaks volumes ." tinyurl.com/zxd322ry https://tinyurl.com/zxd322ry14 Apr 2026 18:34 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjhzhak52227https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjf66hig722lFormer Lakers coach Byron Scott & Metta Sandiford-Artest ( both told @essentiallysports.bsky.social that Kobe Bryant's 60-point performance in his final game 10 years ago tops his 81-point game. https://tinyurl.com/2xcbbm7jtinyurl.com/2xcbbm7j13 Apr 2026 15:21 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjf66hig722lhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjf2a3mqa22iKobe Bryant scored 60 points in his last game 10 years ago. Some memories: Kobe signed autographs for teammates before & after game. Magic Johnson called Kobe the greatest Laker. Kobe worked at his storytelling company the next morning. For @athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yjyanspn https://tinyurl.com/yjyanspn13 Apr 2026 14:10 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjf2a3mqa22ihttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mjawulxwk226Cameron Boozer stressed he's not consumed on how high he's selected in the NBA Draft. But he shared his case to @essentiallysports.bsky.social on why he should be the No. 1 pick: "What I think separates me is my competitiveness and my winning." tinyurl.com/yc58en7b https://tinyurl.com/yc58en7b11 Apr 2026 22:59 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjawulxwk226https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mja542t2zs2qMarques Johnson spoke to @essentiallysports.bsky.social about the Wooden Awards, his enduring Hall-of-Fame snub and Bucks-Giannis Antetokounmpo situation. Johnson Bucks-Giannis: "It is as toxic as it appears. It’s just a bad situation." tinyurl.com/32c2wff8 https://tinyurl.com/32c2wff811 Apr 2026 15:18 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mja542t2zs2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mj37qwknw22dAlex Caruso spoke to @essentiallysports.bsky.social on Thunder's No. 1 seed, defending top stars & Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case: "The guy is doing the exact same thing that he did last year after having no offseason & carrying a team to a championship." tinyurl.com/347vs36b09 Apr 2026 16:22 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj37qwknw22dhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mj36qfpwic26The Boston Celtics will advance to the NBA Finals. My @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch tinyurl.com/3z5eky5d09 Apr 2026 16:04 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj36qfpwic26https://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mivzaiz2mk2jCooper Flagg's trainer, Matt MacKenzie spoke to @thergmedia.bsky.social on why Flagg is the 'clear-cut Rookie of the Year,' how Flagg thrived on an injury-riddled team, his off-season training plans & more. tinyurl.com/3hafb9vw https://tinyurl.com/3hafb9vw07 Apr 2026 14:43 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mivzaiz2mk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/markgmedina.bsky.social/post/3mionnscg3s23Luka Dončić injury: Doctors spoke to @essentiallysports.bsky.social about their concerns about his return, if Lakers bear any blame for playing him in second half vs OKC, typical rehab for Grade 2 hamstring strains and their outlook on how it all plays outhttps://tinyurl.com/2dtpmv7u04 Apr 2026 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:q755apxnp3lf2jm7p5ghfrph/app.bsky.feed.post/3mionnscg3s23