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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702 Articles

Lakers News: Quentin Grimes Defends Luka Doncic Amid Mavericks Criticism

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is adjusting to his new team after being suddenly traded by the Dallas Mavericks. This felt like an impulsive decision made by Dallas despite health concerns regarding Doncic. However, there is no denying that…

Matthew Valento

JJ Redick Had Conversations With Rams’ Sean McVay Before Taking Lakers Job

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has had a whirlwind rookie season, as his team essentially changed entirely with Luka Doncic's shocking arrival. However, Redick has formulating winning basketball game plans throughout these different phases of his roster. Currently,…

Matthew Valento

Pelicans’ Trey Murphy Shares Praise For Lakers’ Defense

A natural skepticism of Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers was how their team defense would be impacted. Trading away an all-world defensive center in Anthony Davis and relying on Jaxson Hayes would warrant plausible concern. However,…

Matthew Valento

Charles Barkley Tells Story About Almost Being Traded To Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers always seem to land stars by any means, whether via trade or free agency. However, there are also intriguing "what if" scenarios throughout history, one of those being Charles Barkley. Barkley, who played 16 seasons in…

Matthew Valento

Luka Doncic & LeBron James Playing, Austin Reaves & Jordan Goodwin Out In Lakers’ Rematch Vs. Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the L.A. Clippers once again on Sunday night after beating them at home on Friday. While it was not a pretty win, the purple and gold are finding ways to come out…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Optimism Maxi Kleber Returns Before End Of Regular Season

When Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, a forgotten piece of the deal was Maxi Kleber. Unfortunately, Kleber suffered a foot fracture and when he arrived in L.A., he revealed that he would be re-evaluated in eight…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Luka Doncic Starting To Feel Like Himself

After being sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is still trying to get back into game shape and rhythm while also acclimating himself to his new team and city. Unfortunately, the five-time…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Inquired About Pistons’ Jalen Duren Before Trade Deadline

An area of concern for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the latter stages of the regular season is the center position. L.A. scavenged for a big ahead of the February trade deadline, one name apparently being Detroit Pistons center…

Matthew Valento

Trey Jemison: Lakers Organization Is Elite In Every Facet

Friday's win against the L.A. Clippers was a group effort for the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves after nine minutes of the game. Specifically, the bench had to step up and Trey Jemison got…

Matthew Valento

Paul George Believes LeBron James & Luka Doncic Work As Lakers Teammates

After surprisingly being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, it has taken Luka Doncic some time to adjust to his new team and surroundings. That is especially the case since Doncic missed approximately six weeks with a calf strain, the…

Matthew Valento