From Breakers to Lakers: Mennenga’s rise continues

Sam Mennenga has his sights set on becoming one of the NBL’s biggest names - and given his current trajectory, he's well on his way.

The New Zealand big has earned a call-up to the Los Angeles Lakers for next month’s Summer League, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.

Mennenga is coming off a strong season in Puerto Rico, where he averaged 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds a game.

He also upped his production significantly in the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 Season, averaging 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds with the New Zealand Breakers, in just his second year in the league.

Speaking on NBL Now last week, Mennenga said he had lofty ambitions.

“I want the respect. I want to be one of the bigger names ... who doesn’t want that?” he said on NBL Now.

“The only way to do that is to take down some of the bigger names.

“That ultimate goal is the NBA and should always be the NBA for any basketball player.

“But in the short term it’s being able to bring winning back to the Breakers and win a Championship there.”

Mennenga’s call-up comes off the back of news Cairns’ Alex Higgins-Titsha will join the Golden State Warriors for Summer League in July.