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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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,…

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Thunder Are Favorites To Repeat As Champions

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers' strong play in March, they quickly received a reality check in April by playing the Oklahoma City Thunder twice. LeBron James suited up in that first meeting and the team got embarrassed, losing 139-96, with…

Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Available, Jaxson Hayes Out Vs. Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Sunday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz and LeBron James (left foot injury management) is available. Additionally, Jaxson Hayes remains out with a left foot injury as well. Both players…

Lakers News: Nick Smith Jr. Signs Two-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to an NBA contract. On the year, the 21-year-old guard is averaging 6.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and one assist on 43.3% from the field and 40% from 3-point…