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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825 Articles

Tracy McGrady Doubles Down On Take About Winning Titles With Shaquille O’Neal If He Replaced Kobe Bryant

A notable time in the Los Angeles Lakers' history was when Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal joined forces. They were a dynamic duo that dominated and accomplished the rare feat of winning three championships in a row, being the last…

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Hoped Andrew Nembhard Fell To Them In 2022 NBA Draft

In last year's NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers had a handful of perimeter defenders who could knock down 3-pointers at a high clip. Andrew Nembhard for Indiana is making a name for himself as an upper…

Luka Doncic Sets Goal For Lakers’ 2025-26 Season

Despite making substantial roster improvements this summer, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers are not projected by many to be among the upper echelon of championship contenders in a loaded Western Conference. By all accounts, the Lakers had a…

Tracy McGrady Believes LeBron James Would Be GOAT If He Played In Triangle Offense

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has reached uncharted territory as he is continuing to play productive basketball at 40-years-old, which is unheard of but a credit to the work he has put in over the years to remain at…

Lakers Video: Jaylen Brown Credits Kobe Bryant As Motivation For Starting Shoe Brand

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was an inspiration to many due to his on-court performances, but no one got to see how he was going to succeed off the floor. As a five-time champion, Bryant was successful throughout his…

Lakers News: Magic Johnson Chooses Michael Jordan Over LeBron James In GOAT Debate

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is one of the most popular figures in basketball of all-time and remains involved in the organization decades after his retirement from playing. The former point guard put the purple and gold on the…

FIBA EuroBasket 2025: Luka Doncic & Slovenia To Take On Germany In Quarterfinals

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Slovenia will have a rematch against Germany in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals on Wednesday at 11 a.m. PT Notably, these two teams squared off early in exhibition play and the Germans came…

FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Highlights: Luka Doncic & Slovenia Beat Italy To Advance To Quarterfinals

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Slovenia had their work cut out for them after struggling through exhibition play in FIBA EuroBasket 2025. However, Doncic made his presence felt in group play to earn a spot in the knockout…

Lakers Video: Highlights From Dwight Howard’s Hall Of Fame Induction

The Los Angeles Lakers have had plenty of stars walk through their franchise during their illustrious history. One of those was Dwight Howard, who notably spent three separate tenures with L.A. and finally cashed in on a championship in 2020.…

Lakers Video: Highlights From Carmelo Anthony’s Hall Of Fame Induction

The Los Angeles Lakers are known for the star power that has come through their organization, which includes Carmelo Anthony in the final season of his 19-year career. Unfortunately, Anthony did not come to the Lakers during his prime, but…