Matthew Valento
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Articles by Matthew Valento
Ziaire Williams discusses how he can complement Luka Doncic
One of the newest Los Angeles Lakers, Ziaire Williams, put together an impressive preseason despite only playing two exhibition games. He made all five of his 3-point attempts while also providing tenacious defense and an ability to slash to the basket. On Friday against the Denver Nuggets, Williams connected with Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler on weak-side lobs. It's no secret that Doncic thrives with lob threats and Williams detailed his on-court chemistry with the Lakers star so far.
Lakers Reportedly Inquired About Naz Reid Before Timberwolves Traded Him To Hornets
This past offseason was an extremely important one for the Los Angeles Lakers after LeBron James departed in free agency. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was proactive in his roster construction by bringing in nine new players, ushering in a new era led by Luka Doncic. Head coach JJ Redick was open about wanting more skilled players, but options were limited in free agency.
Lakers Reportedly Inquired About Naz Reid Before Timberwolves Traded Him To Hornets
This past offseason was an extremely important one for the Los Angeles Lakers after LeBron James departed in free agency. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was proactive in his roster construction by bringing in nine new players, ushering in a new era led by Luka Doncic. Head coach JJ Redick was open about wanting more skilled players, but options were limited in free agency.
Walker Kessler: ‘A Lot Of Fun’ Playing With Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves For First Time
Preseason did not provide the chance to build much continuity for the Los Angeles Lakers as numerous key players missed games due to minor injuries. Friday night was the Lakers’ final preseason game though, and it provided a chance for Walker Kessler to play with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the first time. The results varied in their first game, which was to be expected against a quality Nuggets team.
Walker Kessler: ‘A Lot Of Fun’ Playing With Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves For First Time
Preseason did not provide the chance to build much continuity for the Los Angeles Lakers as numerous key players missed games due to minor injuries. Friday night was the Lakers’ final preseason game though, and it provided a chance for Walker Kessler to play with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the first time. The results varied in their first game, which was to be expected against a quality Nuggets team.
Lakers News: Ziaire Williams Discusses How He Can Complement Luka Doncic
One of the newest Los Angeles Lakers, Ziaire Williams, put together an impressive preseason despite only playing two exhibition games. He made all five of his 3-point attempts while also providing tenacious defense and an ability to slash to the basket. On Friday against the Denver Nuggets, Williams connected with Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler on weak-side lobs. It’s no secret that Doncic thrives with lob threats and Williams detailed his on-court chemistry with the Lakers star so far.
Ziaire Williams Discusses How He Can Complement Luka Doncic
One of the newest Los Angeles Lakers, Ziaire Williams, put together an impressive preseason despite only playing two exhibition games. He made all five of his 3-point attempts while also providing tenacious defense and an ability to slash to the basket. On Friday against the Denver Nuggets, Williams connected with Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler on weak-side lobs. It’s no secret that Doncic thrives with lob threats and Williams detailed his on-court chemistry with the Lakers star so far.
Nuggets’ David Adelman Believes Walker Kessler Playing With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Is ‘Problem’ For Opponents
The Los Angeles Lakers invested a ton of money and assets into Walker Kessler this offseason with hopes of him being their franchise center. They believe he will be even better playing alongside two dynamic playmakers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves than he was with the Utah Jazz. Kessler has showcased promising two-way play so far this preseason, giving fans a sign of what is to come.
Nuggets’ David Adelman Believes Walker Kessler Playing With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Is ‘Problem’ For Opponents
The Los Angeles Lakers invested a ton of money and assets into Walker Kessler this offseason with hopes of him being their franchise center. They believe he will be even better playing alongside two dynamic playmakers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves than he was with the Utah Jazz. Kessler has showcased promising two-way play so far this preseason, giving fans a sign of what is to come.
Nuggets’ David Adelman Believes Walker Kessler Playing With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Is ‘Problem’ For Opponents
For better or worse, David Adelman has to trust the Nuggets’ bench The Nuggets have to do whatever it takes to keep the starters fresh for the playoffs, even if it means sacrificing regular season wins in the process. …
JJ Redick Doesn’t Sugarcoat Dalton Knecht’s Standing With Lakers
With the regular season kicking off next week for the Los Angeles Lakers, they still need to cut their roster down to 15 players and Dalton Knecht appears to be on the outside looking in. Ever since the rescinded Mark Williams trade, Knecht has not played like the same confident shooter that the Lakers drafted in the first round. Head coach JJ Redick has given Knecht opportunities in the rotation since that rescinded trade, but it just hasn’t worked out.
JJ Redick Doesn’t Sugarcoat Dalton Knecht’s Standing With Lakers
With the regular season kicking off next week for the Los Angeles Lakers, they still need to cut their roster down to 15 players and Dalton Knecht appears to be on the outside looking in. Ever since the rescinded Mark Williams trade, Knecht has not played like the same confident shooter that the Lakers drafted in the first round. Head coach JJ Redick has given Knecht opportunities in the rotation since that rescinded trade, but it just hasn’t worked out.
Lakers News: Austin Reaves Details How Relationship With Luka Doncic Grew So Strong Original
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are the faces of the Los Angeles Lakers moving forward after LeBron James departure. It’s been a natural progression for Reaves to get to this point, while Doncic was surprisingly traded to the team in 2024. It took time for the Slovenian star to get acclimated to Los Angeles, but he clearly looks adjusted to his new home now.
Luka Doncic Pleased With Lakers’ Defense In Preseason Original
Luka Doncic is arguably the No. 1 believer in this new-look Los Angeles Lakers roster. He was in close collaboration with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick in constructing how things would look without LeBron James. And through three games of preseason, there have been encouraging signs on both sides of the ball. Specifically on defense, Doncic likes how the team is playing, but he knows they still have room for improvement. “Yeah, I think it’s been very good.
JJ Redick Details Keys To Lakers’ Lineups Without Walker Kessler Original
Through three games, the Los Angeles Lakers have not seen Walker Kessler in preseason action due to a finger injury. With only two exhibition games remaining, the hope for head coach JJ Redick is to have his full roster available for one of them, although it remains to be seen if that will be the case. One of the biggest question marks surround the Lakers roster is how they will look defensively without Kessler in the lineup given their lack of center depth.
Luka Doncic Believes Lakers Have ‘Very Deep’ Roster Original
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen some encouraging things through their first three preseason games after overhauling the roster this offseason. Notably, Luka Doncic looks to be in great shape once again and ready to lead a new era of Lakers basketball. Although there are nine new players, Los Angeles has yet to play at full strength in their exhibition schedule.
Lakers News: Sandro Mamukelashvili Enjoying Being Austin Reaves’ Teammate Original
In the Los Angeles Lakers’ first three preseason games, one bright spot unquestionably has been the play of Sandro Mamukelashvili. He has fit in well with his new teammates, which includes Austin Reaves, who made his preseason debut on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. In 25 minutes, Reaves put up eight points, five rebounds and eight assists on 2-for-7 from the field. Mamukelashvili knows the type of player Reaves is and is already enjoying having him as a teammate.
Lakers sign Rafael Castro to Exhibit 10 contract, waive William Kyle III
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Lakers Sign Rafael Castro To Exhibit 10 Contract, Waive William Kyle III Original
The Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have signed forward Rafael Castro and waived forward/center William Kyle III. Castro (6’10”, 224) started all 29 games at George Washington University during the 2025-26 season, averaging 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks in 27.3 minutes. The 23-year-old was a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection and was named a finalist for the 2025-26 Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Jake LaRavia Believes Walker Kessler’s Presence Empowers Lakers Perimeter Defenders To Be Aggressive Original
Defense is projected by many to be an area of weakness for the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically on the perimeter. While Walker Kessler can shore up a lot of those deficiencies with his elite rim protection, it is up to the wings to apply perimeter pressure and not solely rely on Kessler. Jake LaRavia specifically looks forward to picking up his aggressiveness as a defender due to having a deterrent at the rim. “I love it. I love it. I’m a gambling man.
Sandro Mamukelashvili Grew Up Watching Lakers & Kobe Bryant Original
Playing on a big stage is not for everyone, especially for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, and there are nine new players this season looking to make a name for themselves. Sandro Mamukelashvili is one of those is he is coming off a career year with the Toronto Raptors and is now looking to translate it to a team aspiring for championships.
Bronny James Becoming Veteran On New-Look Lakers Roster Original
Change can be difficult to navigate, but for Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, it may allow him to spread his wings. Whether he admits it or not, LeBron James’ departure lets Bronny be himself and worry less about outside noise. After showing more positive growth in his sophomore season and playing in the playoffs, the USC product looks to take another jump in Year 3. One this new-look team, he is one of the longest-tenured Lakers and James talked about dealing with that fact.
Matisse Thybulle Knows Guarding Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves In Practice Will Make Him Better Original
Training camp kicked off this week for the Los Angeles Lakers and the intensity has clearly been high. With two starting spots on the line, players are battling hard and one of them has been Matisse Thybulle. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have made it clear that they do not enjoy having Thybulle guard them, and the same could be said for the other way around. While Thybulle isn’t having fun, he knows that it will better him as a defender in the long run getting to guard those guys in practice.
Austin Reaves Discusses Expected Changes To Lakers’ Offense Original
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era after LeBron James departed in free agency offseason, shifting their focus to building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With all of these roster changes will also come schematic changes from head coach JJ Redick and a big focus will be on not being one-dimensional. While Doncic and Reaves will have the ball the majority of the time, the Arkansas native believes their versatility can open up their offense.
Lakers News: Luka Doncic Excited For Adou Thiero’s Second Season Original
Unlike previous years, the Los Angeles Lakers are leaning on youth and player development moving forward due to the restrictions in the NBA CBA. One of their promising young players is former second-round pick Adou Thiero, who is entering his sophomore season. Thiero has the athleticism to be a successful NBA player but is still working to improve other aspects of his game.
Rob Pelinka Confident In Walker Kessler’s Health & Lakers’ Center Depth Original
Although the Los Angeles Lakers made numerous moves this offseason, areas of concern remain for general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office. One spot, in particular, is the backup center position, as Kevon Looney remains the sole true center behind Walker Kessler. If Kessler ends up missing time due to injury, it puts pressure on Looney to play 20-25 minutes a night, which may not be feasible.
Lakers News: JJ Redick & Rob Pelinka Valuing Continuity Moving Forward Original
The offseason represented a significant change for the Los Angeles Lakers brass. In the past, Rob Pelinka has valued flexibility and optionality with the roster. This offseason, however, he handed out four-year contracts to Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili to promote continuity heading into this new era. Building around Luka Doncic is of utmost importance, but having a solidified core that can grow around him may be just as important.
JJ Redick Likes Versatility Sandro Mamukelashvili Will Bring To Lakers Original
The Los Angeles Lakers completely overhauled their roster this offseason and one of their biggest moves was signing former Toronto Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract. That is starter-level money, so the Lakers obviously have a lot of confidence that Mamukelashvili will make an impact for them. Exactly what position he will be playing remains to be seen, however, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes Mamukelashvili brings a lot of versatility to the table.
JJ Redick: Lakers Are Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves’ Team Now Original
A big focus for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was adding more youth, which meant parting ways with some of their leaders from last season like LeBron James and Marcus Smart. Now, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the unquestioned leaders of the team and head coach JJ Redick has already expressed that to his two stars. “Yeah, I mean, this team is their team. I’ve been consistent over the last two years in challenging all the guys to lead in their own way.
Rob Pelinka Doesn’t Rule Out Trade To Get Lakers Roster Down To 15 Players Original
With the start of the 2026-27 season just around the corner for the Los Angeles Lakers, one more roster move will need to be made by general manager Rob Pelinka. Currently, L.A. has 16 guaranteed contracts on their books and they need to cut a player before Opening Night against the Golden State Warriors to get it down to 15.
Lakers Rumors: Drew Timme Signing Training Camp Contract With Timberwolves Original
The Los Angeles Lakers got some strong production from their two-way players last season with Drew Timme, in particular, getting legitimate opportunities in JJ Redick’s rotation. In 27 games with the Lakers, Timme averaged 3.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists on 57.6% shooting from the field and 44.0% from 3-point range.
Bonzi Wells Believes Kobe Bryant Deserves More ‘GOAT’ Consideration Original
One of the most popular debates among NBA fans is who is the greatest player of all time with Michael Jordan and LeBron James often being the two names mentioned most. However, former NBA forward Bonzi Wells believes another Los Angeles Lakers legend in Kobe Bryant deserves more consideration in the GOAT conversation. He pointed to Bryant’s mentality and what he brought to the game as a fierce competitor. “You know, honestly man, Kob’, rest in peace to Kob’.
Highlights From Lakers’ Golf Tournament At Pechanga Resort Casino Original
The Los Angeles Lakers experienced numerous plenty of roster changes this offseason as they look to build a championship foundation around Luka Doncic. And the superstar is already taking steps towards building chemistry as he recently hosted his team in Slovenia for a team bonding minicamp. One way to build chemistry is off-the-court activities like golf, and they played in Slovenia after Austin Reaves essentially got the entire team hooked.
Lakers News: Collin Sexton Commends Austin Reaves’ Work Ethic & Leadership Original
Austin Reaves went from undrafted to signing a near-max contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, inking a four-year, $185 million deal this offseason before reaching free agency. With this new contract, expectations will now shift as Reaves now propels himself as a solidified No. 2 option behind Luka Doncic. Watching how the Arkansas native handles this new role will be intriguing to see, but he looks to be putting in work to live up to these added responsibilities.
Luka Doncic Discusses His Growth As Player And Person Original
Being a franchise player for the Los Angeles Lakers is not easy as the spotlight and expectations in L.A. are bigger than most places. Luka Doncic is getting set to enter his first season as the sole face of L.A. after LeBron James’ departure, marking a new era for Lakers basketball. Doncic started his professional basketball career in Madrid and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best players in the NBA after coming over to the States.
Byron Scott makes bold claim about Lakers offseason Original
Opening night is nearly a month away for the Los Angeles Lakers and there seems to be a lot of skepticism surrounding the roster. In recent weeks, both Norman Powell and Michael Porter Jr. have hated on L.A. and the roster Rob Pelinka put together. Now, Lakers legend Byron Scott has joined in the choir as he isnot quite sold on this new-look roster around Luka Doncic. It is too early to predict whether L.A. will be good or bad, but Scott does not see how they can be a Western Conference elite.
Lakers Rumors: Luka Doncic Heading Back To L.A. To Continue Preparation For 2026-27 Season Original
After sustaining a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and cutting his 2025-26 season short, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will be 100% heading into this upcoming season. Not having their No. 1 option in the playoffs hurt, but the Lakers were able to upset the Houston Rockets in the first round of the postseason. A majority of Doncic’s summers are spent back in Slovenia, where he trains and spends time with family.
Lakers News: Jaden Hardy ‘Super Excited’ To Play With Luka Doncic Again Original
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently focused on building a championship-level roster around Luka Doncic in order to get back into contention. One way to do that is to bring in players he has a history with and they did exactly that with both Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy. Specifically for Hardy, the Lakers acquired him in a trade from the Washington Wizards for Deandre Ayton and two second-round picks.
Nick Van Exel: Kobe Bryant Feared No One, Including Michael Jordan Original
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded to acquire Kobe Bryant on draft night in 1996, there was a considerable amount of risk, as Bryant was coming out of high school and Shaquille O’Neal was on the roster looking to win championships. What made the Philadelphia native different is that he was not afraid of anything, no moment became too bright for him.
Lakers Rumors: Marcus Smart Was ‘Ready To Forward’ In Different Situation Original
It felt like a no-brainer for the Los Angeles Lakers to retain Marcus Smart this offseason, especially after his first-round postseason performance. LeBron James and Smart were two critical reasons as to why L.A. upset the Houston Rockets while missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for a majority of the series. The veteran guard rehabbed his value in Los Angeles and became a vital defensive leader for head coach JJ Redick.
Bulls’ Norman Powell Calls Lakers Most Overrated Team In NBA Original
Expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming season have been mixed because no one truly knows how all these new pieces will come together. However, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a formidable backcourt to build around, and they added some quality pieces as well. Despite this being an entirely new roster with no LeBron James, championship expectations remain for Los Angeles.
Magic Johnson Believes Dr. Jerry Buss Deserves Next Lakers Statue Original
When thinking about the success of the Los Angeles Lakers, the immediate association is with the Buss family, specifically Dr. Jerry Buss. He bought the Lakers in 1979 and turned the team into a powerhouse, which began with the Showtime era. The NBA propelled into immense popularity during the 1980s with a historic rivalry between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
Lakers Rumors: Nick Smith Jr. Signing With Real Madrid Original
The Los Angeles Lakers experienced major roster turnover this offseason as they look to better cater to the needs of star Luka Doncic. That naturally led to the departure of numerous players, one being former two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. Smith was brought to the Lakers last offseason as a former first-round pick they were hoping to develop. He showed flashed with a key highlight last season being against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov.
Sasha Vujacic Believes Sky Is Limit For Lakers Original
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason drew mixed reactions due to the roster complete turnover, which stemmed from LeBron James’ departure. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka put together a team that he feels could help Luka Doncic lead this new era, returning the purple and gold to prominence. With the likes of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, it will be interesting to see how these new pieces fit.
Collin Sexton: Walker Kessler Will Have Huge Impact Defensively For Lakers Original
The start of training camp is nearly here for the Los Angeles Lakers as they begin their preparation for the 2026-27 season. L.A. retooled its roster around star Luka Doncic and at the forefront was bringing in a cornerstone center in Walker Kessler. The Lakers registered interest in Kessler for several years, but the Utah Jazz were never willing to trade him. The big man finally made his way to the Lakers this offseason and happened to do so along with his former Jazz teammate Collin Sexton.
Collin Sexton Explains What Drew Him To Lakers In Free Agency Original
Collin Sexton was a surprise signing for the Los Angeles Lakers, as there was no prior reported interest from the team. However, it appeared that general manager Rob Pelinka wanted to invest in bench scoring and frankly is not a bad decision after the second unit struggled greatly the last two seasons. Being a Laker serves as a monumental moment in a player’s career given how historic a franchise Los Angeles is and Sexton spoke highly of his experience so far.
Danny Green Likes New Pieces On Lakers’ Roster Original
When evaluating what the Los Angeles Lakers did this offseason, no one truly knows how these new pieces will come together. However, the foundation is set with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as their backcourt and Walker Kessler manning the middle. The challenge is finding quality role players to put around them and this upcoming season serves as a trial run. Former Lakers champion Danny Green shared his thoughts about the new-look team and what he is concerned about.
Kevon Looney Enjoyed Getting To Know New Lakers Teammates During Minicamp Original
Kevon Looney is one of numerous new additions to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer and he brings veteran, championship experience. Along with backing up Walker Kessler, the UCLA product should offer his teammates insight into what it takes to be a winning player. Understand the need to build team chemistry with this new Lakers team, Luka Doncic held a minicamp in Slovenia to help expedite the process. Now that they have returned from overseas, Looney shared how his experience was in Ljubljana.
Sasha Vujacic Loved Seeing Luka Doncic Take Lakers To Slovenia Original
When LeBron James opted to take his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, all eyes shifted to Luka Doncic as the main star for the Los Angeles Lakers. Everyone knew that eventually happen when the Lakers acquired Doncic, but they are unquestionably his team now moving forward. With plenty of new faces on the roster, Doncic took the Lakers player to Slovenia for a bonding minicamp that by all accounts went very well.
Jaden Hardy On What Lakers Fans Can Expect From Him This Season Original
When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz via sign-and-trade, they projected to have a solid big-man tandem with Deandre Ayton as the backup. However, L.A. then went on to trade Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. In a move that was made to replenish draft assets, Hardy bring an interesting skillset to the team. And he recently shared what fans can expect from him this season as a microwave scorer.
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