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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673 Articles

Lakers News: LeBron James & Stephen Curry Discuss Evolution Of Friendship

With the All-Star Game happening on Sunday, all the NBA's greatest stars take the court in San Francisco as the league tries out a new format to make things more entertaining. Despite structural changes to the game, it never gets…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Believes JJ Redick Is ‘Great’ Head Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers took a surprising gamble for the now and the future by trading for Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal before the deadline. Given Doncic's shocking availability on the trade market, L.A. could not pass up on…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: LeBron James Ranks No. 2 In Jersey Sales For First Half Of 2024-25 Season

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is entering the final years of his career, but remarkably, he can still play at a high level 22 years later. James has had a historic career, notably becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer…

Matthew Valento

Jordan Goodwin: Lakers Brought Me In For Defense

The past few days have been a whirlwind for Los Angeles Lakers two-way guard Jordan Goodwin, who recently signed on Friday. He then found himself on the floor on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers due to Luka Doncic and LeBron…

Matthew Valento

JJ Redick Hopes All Slovenians Become Lakers Fans After Luka Doncic Trade

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has had a one-of-a-kind rookie season, and now gets the opportunity to coach Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With Doncic expected to make his highly anticipated debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz,…

Matthew Valento

Austin Reaves: ‘Surreal’ To Join Lakers Greats After Scoring Career-High 45 Points

In what felt like a schedule loss for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into an afternoon game on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, that was not the case. With Austin Reaves giving it a go despite being listed questionable with…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Jordan Goodwin ‘Grateful’ For Opportunity To Land Two-Way Contract

Saturday afternoon featured a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers squad against a streaking Indiana Pacers team. That meant that players who do not typically see the floor would get an opportunity, like recently signed two-way guard Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin has seen…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Addresses Fit Concerns With LeBron James & Luka Doncic

Calling Luka Doncic a member of the Los Angeles Lakers still does not feel right, despite the team trading from him a week ago. That sentiment applies to Austin Reaves and other players as L.A. shockingly traded away Anthony Davis…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Getting Closer To Form With Each Game Played

With the return of Jarred Vanderbilt and the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Los Angeles Lakers' wing depth took an impressive leap. Particularly with Vanderbilt, L.A. greatly missed his energy and defensive activity. The former Kentucky Wildcat took about a…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Video: LeBron James & JJ Redick Discussing Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers always find their way into the spotlight when it comes to landing stars. They seemingly always find an avenue to acquire high talent and that was the case late Saturday night by acquiring five-time All-Star Luka…

Matthew Valento