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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1051 Articles

Lakers Add Robert McCray V & Jacari White On Exhibit 10 Contracts

The NBA Draft has come and gone for the Los Angeles Lakers, with Cameron Carr being their first-round selection at No. 24. L.A. traded into the second round with hopes of making another selection, but opted to trade out when…

Lakers Rumors: Rockets Interested In Signing Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart was a major catalyst in the Los Angeles Lakers getting past the Houston Rockets in the first round. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, Smart stepped up as an on-ball creator and did a great job orchestrating…

Cameron Carr Believes Defense Will Get Him On Court For Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason is officially underway as the 2026 NBA Draft has come and gone. The Lakers had one pick in the first round and wound up trading up from 25 to 24 to draft Cameron Carr out…

Dalton Knecht: ‘Special’ To Have First Basketball Camp In Tennessee

Transitioning from NCAA to the NBA takes time and Los Angeles Lakers sophomore forward Dalton Knecht appeared to make that transition look easy as a rookie. Unfortunately, things have not panned out in L.A. since the rescinded trade over a…

Magic Johnson: Lakers Need To Get Younger & More Athletic

NBA free agency is just around the corner and the Los Angeles Lakers are amongst several Western Conference teams looking to make considerable roster changes. After Luka Doncic's first full season in Los Angeles, it is apparent that he wants…

Pau Gasol Congratulates Knicks On Winning NBA Championship

The parity era is here in the NBA, with now eight different champions in the last eight years, which goes to show how hard it is to repeat in this day and age.. The New York Knicks snapped their 53-year…

Magic Johnson Believes Lakers & LeBron James Need To Make Decision ‘Soon’

Plenty of important decisions loom this summer for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James as arguably their most more important. He will be heavily coveted as a free agent, but a return to the Lakers also seems to make…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Shares ‘Pinch Me’ Moments In NBA

There is no denying that Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves deserved All-Star consideration given his strong play to begin the year. Unfortunately, injury prevented him from solidifying his case and perhaps next year he will be on everyone's radar.…

Danny Green Outlines Type Of Players Lakers Need To Surround Luka Doncic

Free agency kicks off on June 30 and the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves once again in a position needing to make multiple moves to become a serious championship contender. While March was a great month for L.A., there was…

Lakers News: LeBron James Dismisses Hobby As Sign Of Retirement Being Near

Golf quickly became a passion for Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James, as most aging players tend to pick up as an offseason activity. Since Los Angeles' season came to an end back on May 11, James has already…