A vlogger said that 7-foot-3 Filipino star center Kai Sotto, also known as the “Kaiju”, deserves an opportunity to prove himself with the Los Angeles Lakers, saying he could be a potential fit for the multi-titled NBA squad.
Jonathan Hernandez, who hosts the Lakers Legacy Podcast, made the assessment after Sotto’s strong comeback to international basketball following an ACL injury. Hernandez pointed to Sotto’s performance as he returned to international competition and helped Gilas Pilipinas secure victories over Jordan and Iran.
Sotto averaged a double-double with 15.5 points and 15 rebounds, to go with three assists, to help carry Gilas Pilipinas to victories over Jordan and Iran in the fourth window of the second round of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Strong Return to International Basketball
Sotto’s return featured a notable performance against Jordan, where he delivered a game-sealing block at the buzzer in overtime. Across the two games against Jordan and Iran, he also displayed several aspects of his game that Hernandez highlighted, including his work in the post, rebounding, ability to run the floor and mid-range shooting.
“He did so in dominant fashion with a game-sealing block at the buzzer in overtime against Jordan while also averaging a very well-rounded 15 points and 15 rebounds in this summer’s two-game slate where he was able to show off some of his skill in the post, his rebounding prowess, his ability to run the floor, as well as his smooth mid-range jump shot,” Hernandez said.
Sotto’s impressive showing in the FIBA World Cup was encouraging despite missing more than a year due to injury. His performance also suggested that he could make another attempt to fulfill his NBA dream.
“Now at 24 years old and coming off of his first major injury in his career, feeling healthier and more rejuvenated than he’s ever been and with an eye towards trying to make another run at the NBA,” he said.
Hernandez Suggests NBA G League Pathway
With Sotto looking toward another attempt at the NBA, Hernandez suggested that the NBA G League could serve as a pathway back to the NBA. He specifically mentioned the Coachella Valley Lakers as a possible destination for the Filipino center.
“My best advice for Kai and his representatives would be go snag on to a G-League team. Maybe try and join the Coachella Valley Lakers,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez also said that having Sotto within the Lakers organization could generate significant interest among Filipino basketball fans. His suggestion included giving Sotto a training camp invitation and signing him to the Coachella Valley Lakers.
“If I’m the Lakers, give him a training camp invite, sign him to the Coachella Valley Lakers, get butts in the seats, get a bunch of Filipino butts in the seats, and let’s have some fun and see if Kai Sotto can’t be something eventually,” he added.
Hernandez Keeps Sotto as a Wild Card
Despite Sotto’s strong return and the skills he displayed, Hernandez described the Filipino center as “a total wild card.” He said he would reserve judgment until Sotto gets another opportunity to play against higher-level competition.
“But I’m not going to count Kai out,” he said, adding that he could follow the footsteps of other NBA big men such as Boban Marjanovic and Tacko Fall, who are known for their height and enormous wingspans.
Hernandez also recalled Sotto’s NBA Summer League debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. Sotto scored six points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked three shots in 13 minutes during that game.
“I was really excited when I watched that game and was hoping that because of this game maybe Kai Sotto would get a little bit more run,” he said.
While Hernandez admitted that Sotto lacks speed and explosiveness, he said the Filipino big man still possesses valuable offensive skills. These include post moves, soft touch around the basket, a mid-range jumper, passing ability and rebounding skills that can boost his chances of making it to an NBA squad.
“He’s still got the skills. He’s still got nice footwork. He can still rebound the ball. He can still block shots because he’s an immensely large human being,” he explained.
Sotto’s performance in the fourth window of the second round of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asian qualifiers gave Hernandez further reason not to count out the Filipino center. His 15.5 points and 15 rebounds per game, along with three assists, helped Gilas Pilipinas secure victories over Jordan and Iran.
His performance against Jordan also included the game-sealing block at the buzzer in overtime. Hernandez highlighted Sotto’s post skills, rebounding, ability to run the floor and mid-range jump shot as notable parts of his game.
At 24 years old, Sotto is coming off his first major injury in his career and has an eye toward another run at the NBA. Hernandez suggested the G League as a possible pathway, with the Coachella Valley Lakers specifically mentioned as a possible destination.
Hernandez also proposed a training camp invitation with the Lakers and an opportunity with the Coachella Valley Lakers. While he described Sotto as “a total wild card” and said he would reserve judgment until the Filipino center faces higher-level competition again, he made clear that he would not count Sotto out.
The discussion also highlighted Sotto’s NBA Summer League debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he recorded six points, four rebounds and three blocks in 13 minutes. Hernandez said he had hoped Sotto would receive more playing time after that performance.
Despite acknowledging Sotto’s lack of speed and explosiveness, Hernandez pointed to the Filipino center’s post moves, soft touch around the basket, mid-range jumper, passing ability, rebounding, footwork and shot-blocking as skills that remain part of his game.
For Hernandez, those qualities keep the possibility of another NBA opportunity open for Sotto. The vlogger’s assessment gives the Filipino center a potential path through the NBA G League and the Coachella Valley Lakers while leaving open the possibility of eventually making an NBA squad.
