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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1077 Articles

LeBron James Reacts To Sharing Court With Bronny In Playoffs

Playoff basketball is a different entity and getting that first experience is something players do not forget. For the Los Angeles Lakers, sophomore guard Bronny James was thrust into his first postseason action in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets…

Rockets Star Kevin Durant Ruled Out In Game 1 Vs. Lakers

The Houston Rockets released an updated injury report for Saturday's Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) is out. Durant was originally listed as questionable, a surprise injury designation, although it was hard…

JJ Redick Reveals Lakers’ Mindset Until Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves Return

JJ Redick kicks off his second postseason as a head coach on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, but unfortunately the Los Angeles Lakers are going into this series without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With Doncic and Reaves expected…

Lakers Video: Giannis Antetokounmpo Does Not Like Los Angeles

All signs are pointing to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo finding a new team this offseason, and the Los Angeles Lakers are one rumored landing spot. Whether the Lakers have the assets to get it done remains to be seen,…

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Thunder Are Favorites To Repeat As Champions

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers' strong play in March, they quickly received a reality check in April by playing the Oklahoma City Thunder twice. LeBron James suited up in that first meeting and the team got embarrassed, losing 139-96, with…

Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Available, Jaxson Hayes Out Vs. Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Sunday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz and LeBron James (left foot injury management) is available. Additionally, Jaxson Hayes remains out with a left foot injury as well. Both players…

Lakers News: Nick Smith Jr. Signs Two-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to an NBA contract. On the year, the 21-year-old guard is averaging 6.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and one assist on 43.3% from the field and 40% from 3-point…

LeBron James Bummed To Not Play Against Stephen Curry For Entire 2025-26 Season

Anticipation surrounded Thursday's matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, with LeBron James expected to face off against Stephen Curry for the first time this season. Curry recently returned from a 27-game absence due to a…

Marcus Smart Excited About Challenges Ahead For Lakers In Postseason

In a week highlighted by negativity for the Los Angeles Lakers, a rare bright spot was Marcus Smart returning to the lineup on Friday night. After missing nine straight games, Smart brought much-needed energy on both ends of the floor,…

Luke Kennard Describes ‘Full-Circle Moment’ Playing Alongside LeBron James

Due to untimely injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard finds himself in an entirely new role for the Los Angeles Lakers. Previously, Kennard was a spot-up or movement shooter, and now he is a primary initiator alongside…