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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1028 Articles

JJ Redick: LeBron James Has Greatest Career Of All-Time

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick entered his second postseason appearance as a massive underdog against the Houston Rockets, but he and his team were able to pull off a convincing upset. A major part of that was the…

Austin Reaves Details Recovery Process From Oblique Injury

Coming into the postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers did not know if they were going to get Austin Reaves or Luka Doncic back at all after suffering late-season injuries. For Reaves, he suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain and…

Lakers Highlights: Game 6 Win Over Rockets To Clinch Series

The Los Angeles Lakers held a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets, but then proceeded to drop Games 4 and 5. After failing to close things out at Crypto.com Arena, pressure began to seep into L.A.'s mind as…

Lakers Vs. Thunder Series Schedule, Dates And Game Times

The Los Angeles Lakers have fought their way to the second round of the NBA playoffs by blowing out the Houston Rockets in Game 6. L.A. took a commanding 3-0 series lead against Houston, but allowed them to make things…

Rich Paul: Lakers Should Want To Keep LeBron James

Going back to last offseason, LeBron James' time with the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be coming to an end. They did not offer him another year on his contract, and he and his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports…

Lakers Vs. Rockets Report: Austin Reaves And Kevin Durant Out For Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, which still Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) unavailable. Such is the case for Kevin Durant, who is out for Game 4 as well…

Bronny James: Scoring First Playoff Points Provided Great Confidence

Just one month ago not many would have envisioned Bronny James being part of the the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff rotation even if it's come in limited minutes in every game so far. James was particularly effective in Game 3…

Marcus Smart Implores Lakers To ‘Be Like A Lion’ In Game 4 Against Rockets

Arguably one of the most impactful moves in the entire NBA last summer was Marcus Smart signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. What he has given them so far in the playoffs is exactly what L.A. envisioned when bringing in…

Marcus Smart Continues To Make Lakers Postseason History

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart this summer, there was risk involved given his injury history, age and not playing for a contender in a few years. However, he has exceeded every expectation and is playing a vital…

JJ Redick Praises LeBron James & Marcus Smart For ‘Big-Time Plays’ In Game 3

Game 3 was a dog fight for the Los Angeles Lakers and they definitely had to earn it to take a 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets. Thankfully, LeBron James and Marcus Smart were in L.A.'s corner, making winning…