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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708 Articles

Austin Reaves: ‘Surreal’ To Join Lakers Greats After Scoring Career-High 45 Points

In what felt like a schedule loss for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into an afternoon game on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, that was not the case. With Austin Reaves giving it a go despite being listed questionable with…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Jordan Goodwin ‘Grateful’ For Opportunity To Land Two-Way Contract

Saturday afternoon featured a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers squad against a streaking Indiana Pacers team. That meant that players who do not typically see the floor would get an opportunity, like recently signed two-way guard Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin has seen…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Addresses Fit Concerns With LeBron James & Luka Doncic

Calling Luka Doncic a member of the Los Angeles Lakers still does not feel right, despite the team trading from him a week ago. That sentiment applies to Austin Reaves and other players as L.A. shockingly traded away Anthony Davis…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Jarred Vanderbilt Getting Closer To Form With Each Game Played

With the return of Jarred Vanderbilt and the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Los Angeles Lakers' wing depth took an impressive leap. Particularly with Vanderbilt, L.A. greatly missed his energy and defensive activity. The former Kentucky Wildcat took about a…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Video: LeBron James & JJ Redick Discussing Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers always find their way into the spotlight when it comes to landing stars. They seemingly always find an avenue to acquire high talent and that was the case late Saturday night by acquiring five-time All-Star Luka…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Tensions Rose Between Front Office & Anthony Davis After Public Comments

The basketball world got turned upside down late Saturday night after the Los Angeles Lakers decided to trade for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. Anthony Davis is going to Dallas as part of the blockbuster deal, leaving everyone in shock.…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis Waives Trade Kicker & Is ‘Good’ With Trade To Mavericks

Anthony Davis has been a franchise cornerstone for the Los Angeles Lakers for the last half decade, but that is no longer the case. In one of the most stunning blockbuster trades ever, Davis is now on his way to…

Matthew Valento

NBA Rumors: Mavericks Approached Lakers About Luka Doncic For Anthony Davis Trade

After an impressive win against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Los Angeles Lakers were heading back to L.A. to take on the Clippers to close out their Grammy Trip. However, that all got thrown out the…

Matthew Valento

Lakers Rumors: Keeping An Eye On Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe Ahead Of Trade Deadline

This upcoming week is an important one for the Los Angeles Lakers as there is a growing anticipation for general manager Rob Pelinka to make moves. The center position is an area of concern with Anthony Davis sidelined, and one…

Matthew Valento

Lakers News: Rui Hachimura Emphasizes LeBron James’ Support Of Bronny

After an extremely disappointing loss to a depleted Philadelphia 76ers team on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to right those wrongs against the Washington Wizards. Both of these contests featured Bronny James seeing extended run since Opening Night. Unfortunately,…

Matthew Valento