Matthew Valento

Matthew Valento graduated from Boise State University with a major in integrated media and strategic communications and a minor in journalism. He grew up in Santa Clarita, California and played basketball at Saugus High School. Along with writing for LakersNation.com, Matthew also hosts a basketball podcast called, "The Basketball Maestros." Contact: MattV@MediumLargeLA.com Twitter: @matthewvalento Instagram: matthew.valento
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Jaden Hardy On What Lakers Fans Can Expect From Him This Season

When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz via sign-and-trade, they projected to have a solid big-man tandem with Deandre Ayton as the backup. However, L.A. then went on to trade Ayton to the Washington Wizards…

Lonzo Ball Believes LaVar Played Major Role In Lakers Drafting Him Second Overall

When looking back at the Los Angeles Lakers' era following Kobe Bryant's retirement, they were forced to go through a lengthy rebuild. The man who was supposed to bring them out of that was Lonzo Ball, who they selected second…

Matt Barnes Needs To See Lakers On Court Before Judging New-Look Roster

Anticipation is mounting for the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers season to see how all these new pieces come together. The Lakers put out a video of the team scrimmaging during their minicamp in Slovenia and it generated buzz in the…

WATCH: Sandro Mamukelashvili Impresses For Georgia In Exhibition Win Over Israel

Heading into this offseason, one of the main focuses for the Los Angeles Lakers was the center position and they addressed it by adding Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney. Mamukelashvili, in particular, adds an interesting wrinkle to head…

Caitlin Clark Wore Kobe Bryant Nike Shoes Growing Up

The WNBA continues to soar in popularity, driven by a recent influx of talent, with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark as the face of this new era. Her electrifying play has drawn more eyes to women's sports, going from a…

Pau Gasol, Magic Johnson And More Birthday Wishes For Kobe Bryant

Around this time of year, the NBA world celebrates the life of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. He would have turned 48 years old on Aug. 23, and of course, Aug. 24 is Mamba Day. As a five-time champion…

Byron Scott Concerned About Lakers’ Defense Going Into 2026-27 Season

When LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intended to play elsewhere, it forced general manager Rob Pelinka to overhaul the roster to conform around Luka Doncic. During Day 2 of free agency, L.A. was active with acquiring…

Michael Cooper Gives Thoughts On Lakers’ New-Look Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a new era with Luka Doncic as the face of their franchise. Following LeBron James' departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, general manager Rob Pelinka completely turned around the roster to better fit…

Details Emerge On Why Klay Thompson Chose Mavericks Over Lakers In 2024

When news that Klay Thompson potentially being available came out this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were naturally reported as a potential fit given his family's history with the organization. However, the four-time champion decided to sign with the Miami…

Robert Horry Would Feel ‘Sad’ Not Having Buss Family As Part Of Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the news a lot lately for their ownership sale, which could include the Buss family selling their remaining 17.8% minority stake to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. Dr. Jerry Buss bought the team…