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Filipino basketball star Kai Sotto’s impressive return from an ACL injury has caught the attention of a Los Angeles Lakers-focused podcaster, who believes the 7-foot-3 center deserves another opportunity to pursue his NBA dream.
Jonathan Hernandez, host of the Lakers Legacy Podcast, suggested that the Lakers could give the 24-year-old Sotto a training camp invitation or an opportunity with their NBA G League affiliate following his strong performances for Gilas Pilipinas.
Sotto averaged a double-double of 15.5 points and 15 rebounds, along with three assists, as the Philippines defeated Jordan and Iran in the fourth window of the second round of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Against Jordan, Sotto also delivered a game-sealing block at the buzzer in overtime.
“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.
The performance was particularly encouraging considering Sotto had been sidelined for more than a year because of his ACL injury.
“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,” Hernandez said.
Rather than expecting Sotto to immediately land an NBA roster spot, Hernandez believes the G League could provide the Filipino center with a realistic route to prove himself against higher-level competition.
“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,” he said.
Hernandez went further by suggesting that the Lakers organization take a chance on Sotto.
“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 said.
Beyond Sotto’s basketball potential, Hernandez noted that his presence could generate considerable interest from the large Filipino basketball community.
Still, Hernandez acknowledged that Sotto remains “a total wild card” and would need to prove himself against stronger competition before conclusions could be drawn about his NBA potential.
“But I’m not going to count Kai out,” he said.
Hernandez pointed to towering NBA players such as Boban Marjanovic and Tacko Fall as examples of big men who found opportunities in the league despite limitations associated with their size.
He also recalled Sotto’s appearance in the NBA Summer League, particularly a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in which the Filipino center finished with six points, four rebounds and three blocks in just 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,” Hernandez said.
While acknowledging that speed and explosiveness are not Sotto’s strongest attributes, Hernandez believes the Filipino center still possesses a combination of skills that makes him worth evaluating.
“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 said.
Sotto also brings post moves, touch around the basket, a mid-range jumper and passing ability—tools that could help him make another push toward the NBA.
For Hernandez, the question is not whether Sotto should immediately be given an NBA roster spot, but whether his combination of size, skill and renewed health deserves another look.
A training camp or G League opportunity with the Lakers organization, he argued, could provide exactly that chance.
