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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Luka Doncic Looking To Enjoy First All-Star Game With Lakers, Plans To Play Limited Minutes

It is safe to say that Luka Doncic has been as advertised since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks over a year ago. In his first full season in L.A., Doncic is leading the league in…

Lakers News: Jaxson Hayes Always Dreamed Of Being In NBA Slam Dunk Contest

All-Star Weekend is approaching and Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will be participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Hayes is the seventh Laker to participate in this event with Kobe Bryant being the lone champion in 1997. In…

Lakers Rumors: Donovan Mitchell & James Harden Planning To Recruit LeBron James To Cavaliers

All eyes are on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James this summer as he is currently on an expiring contract and has the ability to hit free agency for the first time in almost a decade. No concrete answers have…

Lakers Rumors: Dalton Knecht Was ‘Shopped Aggressively’ At Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the teams expected to be active at the NBA trade deadline this year as they had a number of expiring contracts to part with in potential deals. That is not exactly how it…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Applauds Luke Kennard’s Ability To Make Reads In Debut

Bench scoring has not been an area of strength for the Los Angeles Lakers, but they opted to bring in Luke Kennard at the trade deadline to help aid in that. Having a player or two that can score when…

Lakers News: Luke Kennard Broke LeBron James’ Ohio High School Scoring Record

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone with the Los Angeles Lakers opting to make just one move by acquiring Luke Kennard. The Lakers had a lot of needed to address, with one of them being 3-point shooting, and…

Lakers News: Luke Kennard Willing To Shoot More, Per Request Of JJ Redick

Luke Kennard is the newest Los Angeles Laker as they brought him at the trade deadline in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. The deadline always involves a lot of player movement,…

Lakers News: Tyrese Haliburton Wants To Learn One Aspect Of Austin Reaves’ Game

Seeing how Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has developed as a guard over the last few years is an impressive feat. When he signed on a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves was a hustle,…

Lakers Injury Update: Austin Reaves & Bronny James Out Vs. Knicks

The Los Angeles Lakers released updated their injury report for Sunday night's marquee matchup against the New York Knicks and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) remains out. Additionally, Bronny James (left lower leg soreness) was downgraded from questionable to out…

Lakers News: LeBron James Loves ‘Everything About’ Luka Doncic

Now over the halfway point of the NBA season, LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains in question, and perhaps even retirement is on the table. There's no telling what the future will hold, but James' current focus…