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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Luke Kennard Feeling More Comfortable But Excited To Keep Growing With Lakers

Luke Kennard has been a great addition for the Los Angeles Lakers as an impactful bench scorer they had previously lacked before the trade deadline. Most sharpshooters in recent years have struggled when playing under the bright lights in L.A.,…

Rick Carlisle: Luka Doncic Is Future MVP & Best Player I’ve Ever Coached

Being a referee in today's NBA is difficult, given how stars have gotten sneaky with how they get to the free throw line. An example of that is Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, as he knows plenty of ways…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Defends Luka Doncic Amid Criticism About Excessive Complaining

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is a generational talent and he has played like a top-five player this season. But unfortunately, L.A. has struggled to build continuity due to injuries, so they have a number of doubters in the…

Lakers News: Shaquille O’Neal Critical Of Deandre Ayton

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton has been in the headlines this week due to comments surrounding his role on the team. Ayton shared some interesting comments, referencing that he is not like Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, who has…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Commends Luke Kennard For Creating ‘Blender’ In Offense

When the trade deadline came and went, the Los Angeles Lakers' lone move was acquiring Luke Kennard. While Kennard is an upgrade from Gabe Vincent, there were lofty expectations to bring in more 3-and-D personnel to vault L.A. into contender…

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…