Russell Valenzuela

Russell Valenzuela graduated from UC Irvine and writes for Lakers Nation. As a Laker fan since childhood, he follows and tracks statistics for a variety of sports.
305 Articles

NBA News: Chicago Bulls Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau

As NBA teams look to improve their team during the off-season, front offices around the league decide the part ways with players and coaches. The Chicago Bulls took their first step towards changing their team’s identity by firing their head…

Russell Valenzuela

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal Discuss 2004 Off-Season Breakup

In eight seasons together, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal won three NBA titles and made four trips to the Finals. As successful as the Lakers were, there were some growing chemistry issues with the two taking barbs at each other…

Russell Valenzuela

Report: Shaquille O’Neal ‘Threatened To Murder’ Kobe Bryant During 2004 Season

Despite winning three NBA titles together with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal clashed several times during their time as teammates. Following the 2003-04 season, the Lakers traded away O'Neal which put an end to the duo.…

Russell Valenzuela

Lakers News: Mitch Kupchak Hints At Keeping No. 2 Pick, Drafting Big

With the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly accelerated their rebuilding efforts. The team finished their season with the worst winning percentage in franchise history, but could be adding one of the…

Russell Valenzuela

Lakers News: Team To ‘Bring In 50-60 Players’ To Workout For NBA Draft

During Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery, the Los Angeles Lakers jumped up and won the second overall pick. Since the team avoided sending over their selection to the Philadelphia 76ers, they will enter June's Draft with three picks at their disposal.…

Russell Valenzuela

Lakers Rumors: Team’s No. 2 Pick Will Help In Free Agency Pitch

After landing the second overall pick in the 2015 Draft, it appears things are starting to look up for the Los Angeles Lakers. -- Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! -- Not only will…

Russell Valenzuela

NBA Draft Lottery: Lakers Land 2015 No. 2 Overall Pick

After finishing the 2014-15 NBA season with the worst record in franchise history, it appears the Los Angeles Lakers can continue their rebuild on a good note. The Lakers entered Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery with the forth best odds to…

Russell Valenzuela

INSTAGRAM: Magic Johnson Wishes Lakers Good Luck At NBA Draft Lottery

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson has been no stranger to being critical over the team's recent struggles. Numerous times, he has taken to his social media platforms to express frustration while still maintaining hope over the team's future.…

Russell Valenzuela

Lakers Rumors: Team Would ‘Love To Steal’ DeAndre Jordan

Despite racing out to the 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers dropped three in a row and currently find themselves with many questions after another second round exit. Their biggest concern in the off-season centers…

Russell Valenzuela

NBA Rumors: Clippers Interested In Lakers’ Wesley Johnson

With the Los Angeles Clippers losing Game 7 to the Houston Rockets Sunday, they now enter the off-season trying to find ways to tweak their roster and get over their playoff hump. One of their weaknesses for the past couple…

Russell Valenzuela