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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787 Articles

Luka Doncic Wants To Raise Banners & Have Jersey Retired By Lakers

Luka Doncic is set to lead this next era of Los Angeles Lakers basketball, which is an exciting prospect given that he is only 26-years-old. Admittedly, L.A. fans are spoiled with the number of stars that have suited up in…

Lakers News: Bronny James Does Not Like Las Vegas Summer League

Summer League presents an opportunity for rookies and second-year players to make a name for themselves. Specifically for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, it was a great chance to showcase what he worked on in the past year. Second-round…

Luka Doncic Decided ‘Pretty Quick’ That He Wanted To Sign Extension With Lakers

When Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka decided to make a franchise-altering trade to acquire Luka Doncic, he needed to convince the superstar that L.A. would be his long-term home. The Slovenian star was…

Deandre Ayton Throwing Out First Pitch On Aug. 9 For Lakers Night At Dodgers Game

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton will throw out the first pitch on Aug. 9 when they host the Toronto Blue Jays. That is part of Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium and other members…

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Donating $5 Million To Help 77 Young Athletes In Basketball Journeys

August 2 was an important day for the Los Angeles Lakers as it marked Luka Doncic becoming extension-eligible. Thankfully, L.A. wasted no time and signed their newest superstar to a three-year, $165 million contract with a player option after the…

2024-2025 Los Angeles Lakers Player Review: Markieff Morris

The Los Angeles Lakers shockingly acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 1, which included Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber coming over as part of the trade too. That marked a homecoming for Morris, who won a championship…

Lakers News: Marcus Smart Learned Patience Through Past Two Injury-Riddled Seasons

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has been focused on the building a roster through free agency and the buyout market this offseason in order to preserve trade assets. Notably, L.A. signed Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton on discounted…

Christian Koloko Wants To Reach Full Potential With Lakers

Attempting to develop prospects is a newfound priority for the Los Angeles Lakers and one of those projects is two-way center Christian Koloko. Given L.A.'s lack of activity in free agency last summer, Koloko was one of those few new…

Lakers News: Bronny James Has Added ‘Significant Muscle’ Since Getting Drafted

Surprisingly, Bronny James garnered the most attention this summer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Seeing his strong play in San Francisco and Las Vegas, James looked extremely confident, which wasn't the case a year ago in his first Summer League…

Warriors’ Stephen Curry Recalls Trying To Trash Talk Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was considered one of the fiercest competitors in NBA history, which is part of what made him special. Through an illustrious 20-year career, Bryant had plenty of faceoffs against the league's best defenders, which…

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