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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860 Articles

LeBron James Expresses Excitement About Bryce James’ Commitment To Arizona

No one has been able to say they have formed a father-son duo in the NBA until this season with LeBron James and Bronny James on the Los Angeles Lakers. While this felt like the cherry on top of LeBron's…

Lakers Rumors: Belief Is Jazz Won’t Deal Walker Kessler Ahead Of Trade Deadline

When the Los Angeles Lakers opted to trade for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, the expectation was this deal would be a precursor to more moves. One highly anticipated target is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler,…

Lakers Vs. Rockets Preview: Road Test Against No. 2 Seed In Western Conference

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road for a quick two-game trip in Texas and first up is the streaking Houston Rockets. Houston is currently the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference at 22-12 as head coach Ime…

Austin Reaves Talks About Lakers’ Growth As Of Late

Since being hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick has experimented plenty with lineups and rotations. Notably, he recently put Austin Reaves as the main ball-handler, taking on more point guard responsibilities. Thankfully, Max Christie found…

Anthony Davis Pokes Fun At LeBron James After Passing Michael Jordan For Most 30-Point Games

Friday night featured another historic moment for LeBron James as he surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history in the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Atlanta Hawks. After knocking down an absurd turnaround fadeaway jumper…

Lakers News: Nets’ Sean Marks Commends Rob Pelinka For Getting Dorian Finney-Smith Trade Done

After two years of inactivity, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka faced mountains of scrutiny due to not improving the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Pelinka finally ended the drought by trading for Brooklyn Nets forward…

Rui Hachimura: Lakers Have Learned To Trust Each Other

On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers were taking on the Sacramento Kings for the third time in little over a week. However, L.A. needed a player like Rui Hachimura to step up with LeBron James being sidelined due to…

Lakers Acquire Dorian Finney-Smith & Shake Milton In Trade With Nets

The Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade involving D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and second-round draft compensation. Finney-Smith is a much-needed 3-and-D wing who is shooting a…

Lakers News: Dalton Knecht Still Confident In Ability Despite Recent Shooting Slump

Bench production was an area of concern coming into the 2024-25 season for the Los Angeles Lakers. There have been improvements since the start of the year though as D'Angelo Russell and Dalton Knecht have been two players that have…

JJ Redick: Max Christie In Starting Lineup Presents Optionality Defensively For Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has spent the first portion of the season trying to find the right combination of starters to accompany LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. Seeing how L.A. needs more two-way players, Max…