Near-threshold Λ Λ mass spectra for the reactions e + e − → ηΛ Λ and e + e − → φΛ Λ are investigated with an emphasis on the role played by the interaction in the Λ Λ system. A variety of Λ Λ potential models is employed that have been established in the analysis of data on pp → Λ Λ in the past. It is shown that the near-threshold enhancement observed for the two e + e − reactions can be reproduced by considering the Λ Λ final-state interaction in the partial waves suggested by the helicity-angle analysis of the experiments. For e + e − → ηΛ Λ the same Λ Λ S-wave interaction as in e + e − → Λ Λ is relevant and with it a consistent description of the pertinent measurements can be achieved. It is pointed out that a nonzero threshold cross section as observed for the latter reaction is not supported by the new ηΛ Λ data.