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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1028 Articles

Luka Doncic Believes Lakers Were Championship Contenders Before Late-Season Injuries

Luka Doncic was piecing together an MVP-caliber season for the Los Angeles Lakers when he unfortunately suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain at the end of the regular season. There was cautious optimism that maybe if the Lakers made…

Lakers Rumors: Potential Front Office Candidates Emerging

This is Mark Walter's first offseason as the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and he is trying to expand the team's operations. Starting with the front office, general manager Rob Pelinka revealed that they are interviewing candidates looking…

LeBron James Compares Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Giannis Antetokounmpo

Following a second-round exit to the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reflected on the four-game series. Head coach JJ Redick came up with a great game plan to contain the back-to-back MVP,…

Bronny James Proved ‘I Can Play At A Higher Level’ In Second Season With Lakers

Heading into this year's playoffs, Bronny James became an unexpected rotation player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Given the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, head coach JJ Redick needed a reserve guard to step up. James only played…

JJ Redick Details Growth In Year 2 As Lakers Head Coach

When Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka decided to hire JJ Redick as the franchise's next head coach, it came with some risks. Redick was receiving his first opportunity as a head coach with no previous coaching experience in…

Bam Adebayo Named 2026-26 NBA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion

The NBA announced that Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has been named the 2025-26 Social Justice Champion, a trophy named after Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In addition to giving Adebayo the away, the NBA also will be making…

Jaxson Hayes Would ‘Of Course’ Want To Return To Lakers Next Season

Crucial free agent decisions loom for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason and center Jaxson Hayes is one of them. Hayes is coming off arguably his best season in purple and gold and even often found himself closing games over…

Lakers News: Rui Hachimura Has Not Thought About Free Agency Yet

Rui Hachimura put together a masterful playoff run for the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically with his absurd 3-point shooting. He increased his production when both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out, which propelled L.A. to upset the Houston Rockets…

Lisa Leslie Praises LeBron James For Filling ‘Huge Void’ With Lakers

An important offseason awaits for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as decides if he wants to keep playing and if so, where. Despite his age, James has shown that he can be a valuable third option behind Luka Doncic…

Mark Daigneault Credits Lakers For Making Thunder Better

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers ran into the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round without Luka Doncic and were swept as a result. Even with Doncic, Oklahoma City would have remained overwhelming favorites, but the Lakers fought…