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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935 Articles

Lakers News: LeBron James Praises Anthony Edwards Ahead Of First Round Matchup

A challenging first-round matchup lies ahead for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as they take on Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This season was the most competitive the Western Conference has been as every playoff team presents…

Mark Daigneault: Two Games Against Lakers Made Thunder Better

As the Los Angeles Lakers looked to solidify their seeding in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, they played against championship-caliber teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City has been far and away the best team in the conference with a…

Lakers News: Sasha Vujacic Compares Luka Doncic To Kobe Bryant

When trading for Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers knew they had found their next superstar, hopefully for the next decade-plus. Obviously, the All-NBA guard needed time to adjust to his new situation and there was even an outside chance…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Expresses Appreciation For LeBron James

Arguably the most significant contributor to the Los Angeles Lakers winning 50 games was Austin Reaves, who took a massive leap as a secondary ball handler and scorer. Particularly in the second half of the season, Reaves played at an…

Luka Doncic Emphasizes It Will Take ‘Everyone’ For Lakers To Win Championship

After a blowout win against the Houston Rockets, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers have clinched the third seed in the Western Conference and now await the postseason. By acquiring Doncic, expectations have skyrocketed as championship hopes are back…

Rui Hachimura: JJ Redick Accomplished Goal Of Winning 50 Games In First Season With Lakers

Not many rookie head coaches can say they went through the adversity JJ Redick did in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Navigating and managing all sorts of personalities is challenging for veteran coaches, but Redick managed to…

Lakers Video: LeBron James Congratulates Alex Ovechkin On Breaking NHL Goals Record

In his 22nd season in the NBA, it feels like Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is breaking records every game. Being a productive player at age 40 through all the mileage he has accumulated is not easy, but James…

LeBron James: Lakers Trying To Build ‘Great Habits’ In Final Stretch Of Regular Season

As the regular season winds down, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are in a heated race to keep themselves as a top-four seed in the Western Conference. Heading into play on Sunday, L.A. had the hardest remaining schedule…

Austin Reaves Pleased With Lakers’ Play In ‘Huge’ Win Over Thunder

Sunday afternoon presented a daunting challenge for the Los Angeles Lakers as they took on the No. 1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a mini two-game series on the road. However, Austin Reaves and company were ready to play on…

JJ Redick: Dalton Knecht Could Help Lakers Win Multiple Playoff Games

As the postseason nears, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has often found himself on the outside looking in for a rotation spot. Head coach JJ Redick is beginning to key in on a playoff rotation consisting of eight or…