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Sport Nation
Important SN update for SouthlandFrom the Breakers to the Lakers: Sam Mennenga chases NBA dream
Kieran Bingham • June 25th, 2025 1:00 pm
Sam Mennenga in action for the Breakers | Photo: Photosport
The 23-year-old Kiwi forward is heading to Las Vegas to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Summer League, marking the next step in a journey that’s taken him across continents and straight into basketball’s spotlight.
“It’s been in the works for a little while” Mennenga told Sport Nation's Mornings.
“Coming off a good Breakers season and then getting out here to Puerto Rico and continuing some good form… it’s been a goal of mine to be able to play in the Summer League and showcase my ability.”
After averaging 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds with the Breakers, Mennenga ramped things up with San Germán in Puerto Rico, producing 14.5 points and 6.8 boards per game against hardened pros and ex-NBA talent.
“It’s definitely a physical league out here. They let things go a lot more, but there’s a lot of big names and NBA talent” he said.
“It’s been good for me in my early stages to play against these guys and showcase my ability.”
Those matchups have included names like DeMarcus Cousins and JaVale McGee in Puerto Rico and Montrezl Harrell during his NBL campaign.
For Mennenga, they’re confidence boosters, not measuring sticks.
“It just helps boost my confidence… helps make me aware of the level of talent and aware of what I could potentially get to if I continue to put my head down and work hard” he said.
“It’s motivating in every way.”
That motivation is rooted in process. Mennenga isn’t new to the grind and doesn’t shy away from the label.
“Yeah, no doubt” he said, when asked about being a gym rat.
“I enjoy this. I get paid to do what I love. But I love getting in the gym… it’s something I’ve been doing since a young age and I want to continue to do until I can’t do it anymore physically.”
Mennenga represented the Tall Blacks at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup before starting his professional career | Photo: FIBA
That mindset carried him through a challenging but formative Breakers season. “I just think in every aspect I grew on and off the court” he said.
“It was a rocky season which helped me to learn some lessons… helped me to grow and then build more confidence as a player and understand that I belong in the league.”
Now, his versatility is front and centre. “It’s more just getting out there and really just being able to showcase my ability in person” Mennenga said of the upcoming Summer League.
“I think my versatility is something that they’re excited about and that I could add.”
Through it all, he’s learning that every league, every game, and every trip is another step toward his long-term goal.
“It’s understanding that everywhere in the world, basketball is played at a high level and it’s also just a business” he said.
“You have to go out there and perform and be a professional in every aspect. That’s definitely helping me to continue to grow.”
His goals remain clear, adding: “Short-term is really just being successful with the Breakers this season and seeing how far we can go” Mennenga said.
“Long-term will always be making it to the NBA and being an NBA player… that should be the goal for every basketball player.”
And now, with a Lakers jersey waiting and the lights of Las Vegas ahead, Sam Mennenga is one step closer to making it happen.
Listen to the full interview below:
