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
Follow:
863 Articles

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…

Austin Reaves Enjoyed Being Back On Court But Knows Lakers Are Work In Progress This Preseason

The NBA season is officially here with the Los Angeles Lakers kicking off preseason action on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. Austin Reaves was a player who impressed with 20 points on 6-for-11 from the field in 21 minutes…

Lakers News: JJ Redick Believes Luka Doncic Is Committed To Maintaining Body Transformation

Following a disappointing first-round performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic needed to head back to the drawing board. Not in terms of play, but his body and staying in shape through a long 82-game season.…

JJ Redick Expresses Gratitude After Signing Contract Extension With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to find stability at the head coaching position since general manager Rob Pelinka took over. But after arriving on JJ Redick, he put together a strong rookie season with plenty of adversity thrown his…

Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Praises Luka Doncic’s Leadership & Personality

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, teams are beginning to report to training camp. The unofficial start to the Los Angeles Lakers' season came on Thursday when general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held a press conference…

JJ Redick: LeBron James Is In ‘Great Spot Mentally’ After Summer Conversations

Admittedly, this summer was an odd one for LeBron James as his future with the Los Angeles Lakers came into question. After picking up his player option, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul revealed that he and James were evaluating roster…