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.
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.
“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, suggesting 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 suggested that Sotto could use the NBA G League as a pathway back to the NBA, specifically mentioning the Coachella Valley Lakers as a possible destination.
“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 said having Sotto in the Lakers organization could also generate significant interest among Filipino basketball fans.
“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.
Ultimately, Hernandez described Sotto as “a total wild card,” saying he would reserve judgment until the Filipino center 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 recalled Sotto’s NBA Summer League debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he scored six points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked three shots in 13 minutes.
“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, including 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.
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