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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Lakers Injury Update: Rui Hachimura Ruled Out Vs. Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Saturday night's matchup against the Golden State Warriors and Rui Hachimura has been downgraded to out. Leading up to this contest, Hachimura was listed as doubtful due to an illness.…

Austin Reaves: Deandre Ayton Is ‘X Factor’ For Lakers

At this stage of the NBA season, teams are supposed to be playing their best basketball. However, Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers are sliding after losing two consecutive close games on game-winners. Los Angeles recently got Reaves back…

Lakers News: Byron Scott Shares Harsh Words For LeBron James

With James, the Lakers went from not making the playoffs to winning the NBA Finals in just two seasons, which is undoubtedly an impressive feat. But since 2020, there has been a roller coaster of outcomes surrounding this team as…

Marcus Smart Details Experience Of Playing For Both Lakers & Celtics

Marcus Smart is one of a handful of players to play on both sides of the storied rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Originally starting his career in Boston, Smart meant a lot to that city,…

LeBron James Gives Keys To Lakers’ Offense

The first game out of the All-Star break is usually sloppy as players look to regain their rhythm after a week off. For LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, there is no grace period in the Western Conference and…

Lakers News: Deandre Ayton Calls Lob From LeBron James One Of Top Highlights Of Career

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton has been a subject of scrutiny lately as it comes to his offensive production. To begin this year, his touch in and around the rim was phenomenal, along with his mid-range jumpers falling at…

Lakers News: LeBron James Praises Kawhi Leonard As One Of Greatest Players Ever

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to action after the All-Star break with a matchup against the L.A. Clippers. Granted the Clippers are a below .500 team, but they have been playing inspired basketball as of late, making…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Says Pat Riley Is ‘North Star’ For All Coaches

The Los Angeles Lakers took a gamble by bringing in JJ Redick as a head coach despite no previous experience. Dating back to Redick's NBA career, he earned the reputation as one of the league's best shooters and eventually transitioned…

Lakers Injury Update: LeBron James Available To Play Vs. Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Friday night's matchup against the L.A. Clippers and LeBron James has been upgraded to available. The Lakers originally downgraded the 41-year-old to questionable earlier in the day due to left…

Lakers News: Ivica Zubac Reveals Magic Johnson Prevented Kareem Abdul-Jabbar From Mentoring Him

A trade that haunts the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans to this day was the 2019 deal sending Ivica Zubac to the L.A. Clippers for Mike Muscala. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka were the two key decision-makers at the…