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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853 Articles

JJ Redick Appreciates Passion From Lakers Fan Base

When evaluating fan bases, the Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most polarizing ones in all of sports. The expectation in L.A. is to compete to championships every year and JJ Redick is learning that early in his tenure.…

Lakers News: Dirk Nowitzki Predicts Luka Doncic Will Lead NBA In Scoring This Season

Expectations were high for Luka Doncic coming into his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers. A core component behind this was him getting into the best shape of his career and the solid performances for Slovenia in EuroBasket…

Lakers Video: JJ Redick Believes Timberwolves Win Can Be ‘Reference Point’ Early In Season

The Los Angeles Lakers' season got off to a rough start as they lost to the Golden State Warriors on Opening Night. Things didn't get any easier for JJ Redick's team in the second game either as they welcomed to…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Applauds Deandre Ayton For Patience Offensively

An X-factor for the Los Angeles Lakers this season is their starting center Deandre Ayton. The frontcourt was a huge priority for the Lakers this offseason, and they were able to add Ayton after he was bought out by the…

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Every Championship Team Needs Player Like Alex Caruso

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is currently his 23rd season and has seen and done everything in the league, knowing what it takes to be successful. Despite being 40-years-old, James wants to continue competing for championships and it will…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Reveals Favorite Kobe Bryant Moment

The Los Angeles Lakers are starved to get back to their championship-winning ways and Austin Reaves is a player who wants to be part of raising the 18th banner. Parity is a storyline in today's NBA with dynasties becoming rare,…

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Emphasizes ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality With LeBron James Out

Luka Doncic came into this season as the No. 1 option for the Los Angeles Lakers, but there was an expectation that LeBron James would be his co-star. Unfortunately, James is expected to miss time with a sciatica on his…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Impressed With Adou Thiero’s Athleticism But Emphasizes Caution With Knee Injury

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded up twice in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, it was clear they had their eyes on a prospect. That turned out to be Adou Thiero, a tenacious wing defender out of…

Lakers News: Deandre Ayton Appreciates Luka Doncic Organizing Team Bonding Event At Porsche

This is a prove-it season for Deandre Ayton and the stage does not get bigger than with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a highly-touted former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton has the talent to be a starting center but has…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Hopeful LeBron James Won’t Miss Too Much Time

As a new season approaches, teams are taking advantage of training camp and preseason to build on-court reps. For the Los Angeles Lakers though, they are not reaping those same benefits as it was recently announced that LeBron James would…