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 News: Austin Reaves Reveals Favorite Kobe Bryant Moment

The Los Angeles Lakers are starved to get back to their championship-winning ways and Austin Reaves is a player who wants to be part of raising the 18th banner. Parity is a storyline in today's NBA with dynasties becoming rare,…

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Emphasizes ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality With LeBron James Out

Luka Doncic came into this season as the No. 1 option for the Los Angeles Lakers, but there was an expectation that LeBron James would be his co-star. Unfortunately, James is expected to miss time with a sciatica on his…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Impressed With Adou Thiero’s Athleticism But Emphasizes Caution With Knee Injury

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded up twice in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, it was clear they had their eyes on a prospect. That turned out to be Adou Thiero, a tenacious wing defender out of…

Lakers News: Deandre Ayton Appreciates Luka Doncic Organizing Team Bonding Event At Porsche

This is a prove-it season for Deandre Ayton and the stage does not get bigger than with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a highly-touted former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton has the talent to be a starting center but has…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Hopeful LeBron James Won’t Miss Too Much Time

As a new season approaches, teams are taking advantage of training camp and preseason to build on-court reps. For the Los Angeles Lakers though, they are not reaping those same benefits as it was recently announced that LeBron James would…

Lakers Video: Luka Doncic Gifts Shoes To Teammates

Roughly eight months after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic is coming around to embracing the challenge of leading the Los Angeles Lakers into their next era. To show his commitment to winning, Doncic worked himself into top…

Lakers Media Day: Deandre Ayton Believes Playing Next To Luka Doncic Will Make Game Easier For Him

This season is extremely important for Deandre Ayton as he is looking to redeem himself with the Los Angeles Lakers. Trying to recapture those winning habits is key because he was a big piece to making the NBA Finals with…

Bronny James Felt More Comfortable In Lakers Preseason Opener Despite Poor Shooting Night

Last season was filled with outside noise due to the Los Angeles Lakers deciding to draft Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, in the second round. Given who his father is, unrealistic expectations were placed on Bronny when he…

Austin Reaves: Lakers Need To Find Ways To Get Deandre Ayton Involved Offensively

In Friday's preseason opener, the Los Angeles Lakers encountered plenty of struggles on both sides of the floor. That was particularly the case for new center Deandre Ayton, who did not find a flow offensively and only got two shot…

Lakers Media Day: Adou Thiero Willing To Play In G League

An enticing prospect coming into this season for the Los Angeles Lakers is Adou Thiero. L.A. traded up twice in the second round to draft him at No. 36, meaning the front office was bought in on Thiero's talent. When…