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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Lakers News: Steve Nash Reveals Favorite Kobe Bryant Moment

Kobe Bryant was a one-of-one talent that won five championships in 20 seasons, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. At his peak, Bryant provided the basketball world with endless memories and iconic moments, especially during the postseason. Having a determined…

Lakers News: South Bay Re-Acquires Kobe Bufkin After 10-Day Contract Expired

The Los Angeles Lakers had a recent call-up with guard Kobe Bufkin, who was signed to a 10-day contract. Bufkin was turning heads with his play in the G League by averaging 24.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists on…

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Excited To Go ‘Home’ To Play Against Mavericks

Saturday night marks Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic's return to Dallas to take on the Mavericks for the first time this season. Seeing how emotional last year was, it is hard to imagine there will be much change, if…

Lakers News: Luka Doncic & LeBron James Top Five In Jersey Sales For First Half Of 2025-26 Season

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an intriguing yet delicate situation with Luka Doncic's arrival and LeBron James' looming retirement or departure. Balancing two timelines never pans out well, but general manager Rob Pelinka needs to find a way…

Lakers Rumors: Jazz Among Potential Austin Reaves Free Agency Suitors

Leading up to his untimely calf injury, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves was playing at an All-Star level. Despite Luka Doncic and LeBron James missing their fair share of games, Reaves was a steady force that pulled out unlikely…

Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James & Luka Doncic Available Vs. Raptors

The Los Angeles Lakers released an update to their injury report for Sunday night's game against the Toronto Raptors, with LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica) and Luka Doncic (left groin soreness) upgraded from questionable to available.…

Lakers Injury Update: Deandre Ayton & Jaxson Hayes Ruled Out Vs. Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers released an update to their injury report for Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, with Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness) and Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy) downgraded to out. This means the Lakers will…

JJ Redick Acknowledges Opposing Teams Will Give Lakers Their Best Shot Every Night

JJ Redick is finding himself in an uncomfortable position as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. After Thursday's embarrassing loss to the Charlotte Hornets, L.A. has now lost eight of its last 13 games. Fortunately, they remain the fifth…

Jake LaRavia Takes Pride In Wearing Lakers Jersey

Despite recent struggles for the Los Angeles Lakers, a bright spot has been forward Jake LaRavia, as he was thrust into the starting lineup with Rui Hachimura sidelined. Specifically in his last 10 games, he is averaging 13.8 points, 4.3…

Lakers Video: Hornets Announcer Calls Luka Doncic A ‘Whiner’

Frustration is mounting for the Los Angeles Lakers as they were blown out by the Charlotte Hornets at home on Thursday night. Luka Doncic and LeBron James showed up offensively, but there was no scoring from the supporting cast, specifically…