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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Lakers News: Shane Battier Admits Kobe Bryant Gave Him Most Trouble As Defender

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant became one of the most illustrious scorers in NBA history after his 20 year-career, which featured plenty of battles against some of the best defenders. Especially come playoff time, Bryant truly had to work…

Vanessa Bryant, LeBron James, Pau Gasol, Magic Johnson & More Birthday Wishes For Kobe Bryant

Aug. 23 marks Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's birthday as he would have turned 47-years-old on Saturday. His passing still does not feel real, but the legacy he left behind remains intact to this day. As a basketball player…

2024-2025 Los Angeles Lakers Player Review: Gabe Vincent

Coming off a 2023 NBA Finals appearance with the Miami Heat, Gabe Vincent became a free agent target for the Los Angeles Lakers due to his impressive playoff play. However, things have not worked out greatly for both parties since…

2024-2025 Los Angeles Lakers Player Review: Jarred Vanderbilt

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, notably undergoing surgery on both of his feet last offseason. In the season before, Vanderbilt only suited up in a handful of games due to the…

Lakers Video: Shaquille O’Neal Picks LeBron James Over Current NBA Stars

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is a one-of-a-kind talent, remaining one of the best players in the league as he gets set to enter his 23rd NBA season. There will never be another talent like James due to his…

Lakers Video: Stephen A. Smith Fine With Never Speaking To LeBron James Again

A moment from last season that got a lot of attention was a confrontation between ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Both of them are powerhouses in their respective fields and it was clear that…

Lakers Rumors: Luka Doncic Avoids Serious Knee Injury In Slovenia’s Loss To Latvia

This summer has been an important one for new Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic as he got himself in tremendous shape to prepare for next season. After a shocking departure from the Dallas Mavericks, the Slovenian guard is looking…

Lakers Rumors: Rui Hachimura Unlikely To Receive Contract Extension

The future of Rui Hachimura has been an interesting storyline to monitor for the Los Angeles Lakers. Originally drafted in the lottery by the Washington Wizards, he did not live up to the expectations which led to him being traded…

Lakers News: Marcus Smart Believes JJ Redick Deserves More Credit For IQ

Marcus Smart is the latest addition for the Los Angeles Lakers and he will presumably play a massive role in head coach JJ Redick's defensive system. As a former Defensive Player of the Year, Smart is looking to get back…

NBA Schedule Leaks: Lakers’ First Matchup Against Mavericks Will Be During NBA Cup

Luka Doncic has been a man on a mission this offseason as he completely transformed his body and conditioning. Now starting a new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is looking to disprove all the negative narratives surrounding his…