Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers Summer League: Xavier Rathan-Mayes Leaned On ‘Next Man Up Mentality’ In Starting For Alex Caruso
Lakers News

Lakers Summer League: Xavier Rathan-Mayes Leaned On ‘Next Man Up Mentality’ In Starting For Alex Caruso

Corey Hansford
Published: 07/17/2018
3 Min Read
Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Lakers
Garrett Ellwood-NBAE via Getty Images
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to defend their Las Vegas Summer League Championship on Tuesday night when they face the Portland Trail Blazers. They got there by surviving a double-overtime thriller with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals, coming out on top, 112-109.

The main headlines focused on the scoring exploits of Josh Hart and Svi Mykhailiuk, who combined for 68 points. However, another extremely important factor was the play of Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who was pressed into the starting lineup for Lakers two-way player Alex Caruso, who missed the game because of illness.

Rathan-Mayes finished with 12 points and nine assists while committing just two turnovers in helping the Lakers to victory. Afterwards, he spoke about the mentality he played with that was key to filling in for Caruso, via the Lakers’ Twitter account:

“Next man up mentality. That’s something coach has always talked about. I was able to start a couple games in Sacramento, which gave me confidence. I just wanted to be ale to come out, lead my team, get guys touches and just help get a win.”

Rathan-Mayes has been one of the unsung heroes of this Lakers’ Summer League run. Much of the attention, rightfully so, has been on the performances of Hart and Mykhailiuk, but it has been players like Rathan-Mayes, Jeff Ayres, Nick King, and Jonathan Williams doing much of the dirty work.

As he noted, Rathan-Mayes started the first two Summer League contests in Sacramento during the California Classic as Caruso was fulfilling his duties with the Team USA for the World Cup Qualifying. Now, as Caruso dealt with an illness, once again Rathan-Mayes stepped up for the Lakers.

Whether or not he needs to start in the Championship Game, Rathan-Mayes is sure to make an impact as he has done all Summer.

Medium Large is looking to add motivated individuals with big dreams and a big appetite for success to our LakersNation.com direct sales team based in Los Angeles or Orange County. If you love sports, know digital sales, and can throw your weight behind an aggressive commission based opportunity than we would love to talk to you. Please apply at: http://mediumlarge.la/?jobs=1576. If you meet our criteria we will be in touch!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?