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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975 Articles

Austin Reaves Speaks To Lakers’ Confidence Amid Nine-Game Winning Streak

Following an electric win on Saturday against the Orlando Magic, Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on a season-long nine-game winning streak. The starters have played a major hand in this run, with Reaves, in particular, playing…

LeBron James Shares Clear Perspective On Luke Kennard’s Game-Winning 3-Pointer

The Los Angeles Lakers' eight-game winning streak was in serious jeopardy on Saturday against the Orlando Magic with them trailing by two with 2.6 seconds left. On the previous play, LeBron James got fouled on a potential layup by Paolo…

Lakers Injury Update: Austin Reaves Available Vs. Magic

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Saturday night's matchup against the Orlando Magic and Austin Reaves has been upgraded to available. Leading up to this contest, Reaves was listed as questionable due to left hip soreness.…

Warriors’ Draymond Green Taking Lakers Seriously As Contenders

The NBA playoffs are just around the corner and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is putting his team in a great position to make a run.  L.A. is currently riding an eight-game winning streak, and Doncic is playing at…

Erik Spoelstra Believes LeBron James Is Beating Father Time In 23rd Season

Ever since LeBron James returned from injury on March 12, the Los Angeles Lakers have been playing their best basketball, extending their winning streak to eight games. Speculation surrounded whether James could propel L.A. into contention and he is silencing…

Magic Johnson: Luka Doncic Is Most Unguardable Player In NBA

Over the Los Angeles Lakers' eight-game winning streak, Luka Doncic is averaging a ridiculous 40.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.4 steals on 50.2% from the field and 42.2% from 3-point range. These are the types of returns L.A. envisioned…

LeBron James Wants Lakers To Strive For Nuggets’ Championship DNA

LeBron James finds himself in an interesting predicament with the Los Angeles Lakers, as he needs to find ways to help out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. For the first time in his 23-year career, he has not been asked…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Appreciates LeBron James Diving For Late Loose Ball

Saturday night was another test for LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers in the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles' downside this season has been not beating above .500 teams and they beat both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks…

Lakers’ Luka Doncic Praises Pick-And-Roll Chemistry With Deandre Ayton

Media attention never ends for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they are a big-market team featuring superstars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. A downside of that attention is that role players face backlash for inconsistent play, and Deandre Ayton…

South Bay Lakers Secure Franchise-Record 11th Straight Win

When the Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick as their next head coach, it was evident there needed to be a change in approach. L.A. never earned a reputation for developing young talent, but under this new CBA, every team…