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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1052 Articles

Lakers News: LeBron James Applauds Bronny James’ Strides In Second Season

Injuries are a part of professional sports, but the Los Angeles Lakers sustained them late in the regular season with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves going down. Without their top two scoring guards, the Lakers had to elevate Bronny…

Lakers Injury Report: Jarred Vanderbilt Available For Game 3 Vs. Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jarred Vanderbilt (right finger dislocation) has been upgraded to available after originally being listed as questionable. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed…

Chet Holmgren Has An Incredible Nickname For Fellow Gonzaga Alum Rui Hachimura

An X-factor heading into the second round for the Los Angeles Lakers will be Rui Hachimura. His ability to consistently hit 3-pointers and operate in the mid-range have become valuable tools for L.A. With the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder…

Deandre Ayton Accepted JJ Redick’s Challenge To Guard Alperen Sengun 1-On-1

Deandre Ayton was a polarizing player for the Los Angeles Lakers this year due to his inconsistent play. However, when the games have been most important in the playoffs, he has stepped up in a big way, particularly in Game…

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…