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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1048 Articles

Rams Star Myles Garrett Wears Kobe Bryant Shirt While Throwing Out First Pitch At Dodgers Game

Los Angeles is the city of stars, and the latest edition is the Rams making a blockbuster trade to acquire defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Now, Garrett enters a win-now situation with a chance to win a…

LeBron James Details Importance Of Taking Accountability As Leader

Leadership is an integral part of building a championship culture and for the Los Angeles Lakers, they have a lengthy history of leaders. LeBron James came to L.A. in 2018 with the hopes of turning the franchise around and he…

Kylian Mbappe Includes Luka Doncic & LeBron James In Top 5 Players List

When Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he quickly formed a dynamic trio with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Doncic idolized James as he matured into a professional basketball player and he probably did not predict they…

Lakers Predraft Workouts: Skyy Clark, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Tamin Lipsey, Peter Suder

The NBA Draft is steadily approaching and the Los Angeles Lakers are continuing to bring in prospects for workouts. This year, they have a first-round draft pick at selection No. 25 and they have to do their homework. It remains…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Discusses Importance Of Adding Depth

JJ Redick is beginning to find his footing with the Los Angeles Lakers after starting his coaching career with back-to-back 50-win seasons. This year, L.A. secured home-court advantage as a fourth seed while dealing with injuries to Luka Doncic, Austin…

Lakers News: Robert Horry Expresses Distaste For Analytics

Analytics are a big part of today's NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to catch up with the rest of the league by expanding their operations. By having a bigger front office, it allows for employees to dive…

DeMar DeRozan Plays ‘Start, Bench, Cut’ With Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson & LeBron James

An interesting conversation surrounding LeBron James is about where he stands amongst Los Angeles Lakers greats like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. James signed with L.A. back in 2018 when the organization was seemingly in a free fall. He then…

Lakers Continue To Work Out Prospects Ahead Of 2026 NBA Draft

An important summer is approaching for the Los Angeles Lakers and the first step is the NBA Draft, which is a way to add inexpensive talent. L.A. has struggled in recent years with missed draft picks in Dalton Knecht and…

Lakers News: LeBron James Only Motivated By One Thing

As LeBron James mulls his future, whether he wants to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sign elsewhere, or step away from basketball, he knows his worth. James is coming off a season where he embraced being a third option…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Happy For Rui Hachimura’s Success

Reflecting on the Los Angeles Lakers postseason run, Rui Hachimura was arguably the biggest bright spot. In 10 playoff games, he averaged 17.5 points on 54.9% from the field and 56.9% from 3-point range. Hachimura stepped up in a major…