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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JJ Redick Calls Out Lakers For Lack Of Execution On ATOs

One could argue JJ Redick is in for his first major challenge as an NBA head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. His team has not been great defensively, inconsistent offensively and is currently last in bench scoring. Los Angeles…

Lakers News: LeBron James Compares Luka Doncic & Himself To Quarterback & Receiver

With injuries mounting for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and Luka Doncic are now the two stars who need to man the ship. While those two are capable of doing so, L.A. has not been playing at a high…

Marcus Smart Believes Having Veterans Has Helped Lakers Win Clutch Games

Having veterans is an integral piece to becoming a championship team in the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers added one in Marcus Smart this past offseason to bring energy and effort. Those early dividends paid off to begin this…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Insinuates Deandre Ayton Frustrated With Lack Of Touches

Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies marked the first time Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was benched in the fourth quarter in favor of Jaxson Hayes. To begin this season, Ayton was a steady offensive option and essentially a…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Wants To See Dalton Knecht Play Hard During Minutes

Dalton Knecht finds himself in an interesting position with the Los Angeles Lakers, as he has yet to solidify a role for himself this season. After being a part of that rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets, Knecht's confidence was…

Lakers News: NBA Brought In Massive Ratings On Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a marquee event in the NBA calendar as teams like to be on a grand stage with everyone watched. This year featured intriguing matchups, with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers notably hosting Kevin Durant and…

Lakers Video: Cade Cunningham Includes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal In All-Time Starting 5

As the Los Angeles Lakers begin a new chapter in their history, Luka Doncic is expected to be the face of it. But LeBron James remains in the fold until further notice, which makes for an intriguing situation. James is…

Lakers News: JJ Redick ‘Bummed’ For Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves has been dealing with calf issues in recent weeks and that came to a head on Christmas Day when he was forced to leave the game at halftime. Calf injuries are not something to…

Rui Hachimura Confident Lakers Can Turn Things Around

Dating back to the summer, a popular debate in the Los Angeles Lakers community was if they would keep Rui Hachimura as their fifth starter or if they would get a defensive-minded player like Marcus Smart in there to complement…

Deandre Ayton Willing To Hold Himself & Lakers Accountable On Defense

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Lakers center Deandre Ayton is embracing a new role as a more defensive-minded center. After his previous tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach JJ Redick centered Ayton's role around rebounding and protecting the…