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
Follow:
661 Articles

NBA Rumors: Mavericks Approached Lakers About Luka Doncic For Anthony Davis Trade

After an impressive win against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Los Angeles Lakers were heading back to L.A. to take on the Clippers to close out their Grammy Trip. However, that all got thrown out the…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Keeping An Eye On Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe Ahead Of Trade Deadline

This upcoming week is an important one for the Los Angeles Lakers as there is a growing anticipation for general manager Rob Pelinka to make moves. The center position is an area of concern with Anthony Davis sidelined, and one…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Rui Hachimura Emphasizes LeBron James’ Support Of Bronny

After an extremely disappointing loss to a depleted Philadelphia 76ers team on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to right those wrongs against the Washington Wizards. Both of these contests featured Bronny James seeing extended run since Opening Night. Unfortunately,…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Vs. Knicks Preview: Road Test Against Eastern Conference Elite

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the fourth game of their Grammy Trip as they make their annual trip to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks on Saturday evening. New York is an impressive 32-16 after…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: JJ Redick Commends Jaxson Hayes’ Two-Way Play

As the Los Angeles Lakers embarked on their annual Grammy Trip, they looked to drastically improve their road record. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis left Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers early with an abdominal injury, which placed pressure on Jaxson Hayes…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Anthony Davis Admitted To Being Skeptical When JJ Redick Became Head Coach

After getting hired by the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer, head coach JJ Redick had an uphill battle as a first-year coach with veterans like Anthony Davis and LeBron James on his team. The former 15-year NBA veteran is…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: LeBron James Thankful To Be Voted Into 21st All-Star Game

No 40-year-old should be capable of having the type of season Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is having. Not only is he continuing to produce at a high level in his 22nd season, but he has appeared in 40…

Matthew Valento

Anthony Davis: Lakers Defense Improves With Jarred Vanderbilt Back

Saturday night was the first of a six-game road trip for the Los Angeles Lakers and it also marked the long-awaited return of Jarred Vanderbilt. With that, Vanderbilt gives the Lakers and Anthony Davis some much-needed help on the defensive…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Trade Rumors: Bulls’ Lonzo Ball On Front Office’s Radar

The much anticipated Feb. 6 trade deadline is steadily approaching for the Los Angeles Lakers as they potentially look to make another move to solidify their roster. After acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in late December, there is…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Excited For Jarred Vanderbilt’s Return

Jarred Vanderbilt was a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline due to his high motor and willingness to do the dirty work. Before his arrival, L.A. did not have a player…

Matthew Valento