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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897 Articles

Jake LaRavia: Lakers Played Hard Against Clippers But Shots Did Not Fall

The Los Angeles Lakers were shorthanded against the L.A. Clippers on Saturday night as Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura all did not suit up. Luka Doncic also left the game early due to injury, leaving Jake…

JJ Redick Pleased With Luka Doncic & LeBron James’ Willingness To Play Off Ball

When Luka Doncic arrived to the Los Angeles Lakers, there were questions about how he would fit alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves considering all three of them have the ability to orchestrate an offense. Specifically for Doncic, he is…

Lakers Injury Update: Rui Hachimura Ruled Out Vs. Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers released an update to their injury report for Saturday night’s game against the L.A. Clippers, with Rui Hachimura being downgraded to out due to right groin soreness. This means the Lakers will be without three starters…

Lakers News: LeBron James Not Surprised By Luka Doncic’s 45-Point Triple-Double

The Los Angeles Lakers are always about their stars, and Luka Doncic is next in line to carry on that tradition. After what appeared to be an uncertain future last year, Doncic fell into their lap, thanks to a stunning…

Lakers Rumors: Potential For Fringe Trade To Upgrade Roster

Up to this point in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have exceeded expectations given the injuries and adversity thrown their way. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves showcasing an extremely high ceiling as a backcourt, the Lakers have themselves…

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal Championship Balls Sell In Auction

An iconic moment in Los Angeles Lakers history was Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal joining forces. Bryant, who was drafted out of high school in 1996, would grow into a dynamic pairing next to the most dominant center ever. Despite…

Lakers News: Gabe Vincent Praises JJ Redick & Coaching Staff

JJ Redick is in the midst of his second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and he is taking positive strides in terms of growth. Not to say Redick's rookie year was not impressive, but there were…

JJ Redick: Lakers Will Be Cautious With Austin Reaves But Should Return In One Week

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers received more injury news as it was announced that Austin Reaves will be re-evaluated in one week with a mild left calf strain. Calf strains have seemingly become a common injury this season and teams…

When Will JJ Redick Give Jarred Vanderbilt Another Opportunity In Lakers Rotation?

Veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt has found himself on the outside looking in from the Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick's rotation in recent weeks. Vanderbilt's energetic defense got him to where he is today, but his shortcomings on offense…

Lakers News: JJ Redick ‘Looking At Everything’ To Fix Defensive Struggles

Following a disappointing effort in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is searching for answers on the defensive end. Against a youthful Spurs team, L.A. struggled to match their…