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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847 Articles

Lakers News: JJ Redick Believes Luka Doncic Is Committed To Maintaining Body Transformation

Following a disappointing first-round performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic needed to head back to the drawing board. Not in terms of play, but his body and staying in shape through a long 82-game season.…

JJ Redick Expresses Gratitude After Signing Contract Extension With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to find stability at the head coaching position since general manager Rob Pelinka took over. But after arriving on JJ Redick, he put together a strong rookie season with plenty of adversity thrown his…

Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Praises Luka Doncic’s Leadership & Personality

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, teams are beginning to report to training camp. The unofficial start to the Los Angeles Lakers' season came on Thursday when general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held a press conference…

JJ Redick: LeBron James Is In ‘Great Spot Mentally’ After Summer Conversations

Admittedly, this summer was an odd one for LeBron James as his future with the Los Angeles Lakers came into question. After picking up his player option, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul revealed that he and James were evaluating roster…

Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Impressed With Deandre Ayton In Offseason Workouts

As the 2025-26 season fastly approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are excited to see their new additions take the floor. At the top of the list is Deandre Ayton, a center who has averaged a double-double every year of his…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Sees Confidence & Joy Growing For Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura is in a contract year and is eligible for a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. As L.A. evaluates its future with Luka Doncic, it feels like players like Hachimura on expiring deals are auditioning to stick…

Luka Doncic Details First Moment He Felt Like Member Of Lakers

When the Los Angeles Lakers surprisingly traded for Luka Doncic, there was speculation on whether he wanted to remain in L.A. for the long term. Inherently, general manager Rob Pelinka took a risk because the Slovenian guard was due for…

Lakers News: LeBron James Reveals Pregame Superstitions

One thing about Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is that he is a man of routine, which is a huge reason why he is playing All-NBA caliber basketball 22 seasons in. As he prepares for his 23rd season, nothing…

Pau Gasol Wants Lakers To Focus On This Season & Not Worry About Future

Expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers this year are mixed as no one knows what this team's true ceiling is. The Lakers have two superstars in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but they are not close in age so there…

Lakers News: LeBron James Explains Why He Fell In Love With Golf

At 40-years-old, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is beginning to seriously evaluate how much longer he can continue playing. Entering his 23rd season, James' time in the NBA is expected to come to an end soon, but not just…