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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654 Articles

Gabe Vincent: Jarred Vanderbilt Working ‘Very Hard’ To Return

It has been nearly a calendar year since Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt played in an NBA game. Despite being active for Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets last season, Vanderbilt never saw any action. With that came an…

Matthew Valento

Austin Reaves: JJ Redick ‘Good As Could Be’ After Losing Home To L.A. Wildfires

This week has been a challenging one for the Los Angeles community as many have lost their homes to these tragic wildfires. One person affected was Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who lost his home due to this…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Gabe Vincent Reveals How He Feels Returning From Oblique Injury

As with other teams in the association, the Los Angeles Lakers have been plagued by injuries. However, L.A. has been missing rotation pieces up to this point. One such player is Gabe Vincent, who was sidelined for four games due…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Expresses Support For Those Impacted By Wildfires

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles area and Los Angeles Lakers personally have been victims due to these recent wildfires. Causing irreparable damage to communities with presumably hundreds of thousands of people losing their homes. A player like Austin Reaves, who found…

Matthew Valento

LeBron James Expresses Excitement About Bryce James’ Commitment To Arizona

No one has been able to say they have formed a father-son duo in the NBA until this season with LeBron James and Bronny James on the Los Angeles Lakers. While this felt like the cherry on top of LeBron's…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Belief Is Jazz Won’t Deal Walker Kessler Ahead Of Trade Deadline

When the Los Angeles Lakers opted to trade for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, the expectation was this deal would be a precursor to more moves. One highly anticipated target is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler,…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Vs. Rockets Preview: Road Test Against No. 2 Seed In Western Conference

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road for a quick two-game trip in Texas and first up is the streaking Houston Rockets. Houston is currently the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference at 22-12 as head coach Ime…

Matthew Valento

Austin Reaves Talks About Lakers’ Growth As Of Late

Since being hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick has experimented plenty with lineups and rotations. Notably, he recently put Austin Reaves as the main ball-handler, taking on more point guard responsibilities. Thankfully, Max Christie found…

Matthew Valento

Anthony Davis Pokes Fun At LeBron James After Passing Michael Jordan For Most 30-Point Games

Friday night featured another historic moment for LeBron James as he surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history in the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Atlanta Hawks. After knocking down an absurd turnaround fadeaway jumper…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Nets’ Sean Marks Commends Rob Pelinka For Getting Dorian Finney-Smith Trade Done

After two years of inactivity, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka faced mountains of scrutiny due to not improving the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Pelinka finally ended the drought by trading for Brooklyn Nets forward…

Matthew Valento