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
Follow:
1003 Articles

Lakers Vs. Rockets Report: Austin Reaves And Kevin Durant Out For Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, which still Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) unavailable. Such is the case for Kevin Durant, who is out for Game 4 as well…

Bronny James: Scoring First Playoff Points Provided Great Confidence

Just one month ago not many would have envisioned Bronny James being part of the the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff rotation even if it's come in limited minutes in every game so far. James was particularly effective in Game 3…

Marcus Smart Implores Lakers To ‘Be Like A Lion’ In Game 4 Against Rockets

Arguably one of the most impactful moves in the entire NBA last summer was Marcus Smart signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. What he has given them so far in the playoffs is exactly what L.A. envisioned when bringing in…

Marcus Smart Continues To Make Lakers Postseason History

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart this summer, there was risk involved given his injury history, age and not playing for a contender in a few years. However, he has exceeded every expectation and is playing a vital…

JJ Redick Praises LeBron James & Marcus Smart For ‘Big-Time Plays’ In Game 3

Game 3 was a dog fight for the Los Angeles Lakers and they definitely had to earn it to take a 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets. Thankfully, LeBron James and Marcus Smart were in L.A.'s corner, making winning…

Marcus Smart ‘Glad’ To Now Be LeBron James’ Teammate In Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers opened up their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening and came away with a 107-98 win. Marcus Smart and LeBron James were ready to go, setting the tone for the Lakers and using…

LeBron James Reacts To Sharing Court With Bronny In Playoffs

Playoff basketball is a different entity and getting that first experience is something players do not forget. For the Los Angeles Lakers, sophomore guard Bronny James was thrust into his first postseason action in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets…

Rockets Star Kevin Durant Ruled Out In Game 1 Vs. Lakers

The Houston Rockets released an updated injury report for Saturday's Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) is out. Durant was originally listed as questionable, a surprise injury designation, although it was hard…

JJ Redick Reveals Lakers’ Mindset Until Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves Return

JJ Redick kicks off his second postseason as a head coach on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, but unfortunately the Los Angeles Lakers are going into this series without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With Doncic and Reaves expected…

Lakers Video: Giannis Antetokounmpo Does Not Like Los Angeles

All signs are pointing to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo finding a new team this offseason, and the Los Angeles Lakers are one rumored landing spot. Whether the Lakers have the assets to get it done remains to be seen,…