Robbie Avila Could Leave Lakers for a College Return
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Robbie Avila may not begin his NBA career after all. The undrafted center is reportedly considering a return to college basketball following a recent court ruling that reopened the possibility of an additional year of NCAA eligibility for certain players.
Unexpected NCAA Ruling Changes Everything
Avila signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Lakers shortly after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, a federal court’s preliminary injunction has temporarily granted some athletes from the high school Class of 2022 an extra year of college eligibility, giving Avila an unexpected decision to make. A special NCAA transfer portal window was also opened to accommodate eligible players.
A Difficult Decision Ahead
Basketball insider Adam Zagoria reported that Avila is “waiting to see what his options are” before making a final decision.
Returning to college could offer several advantages:
- More playing time and development.
- A chance to improve his NBA Draft stock.
- Significant NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) earning opportunities.
- Another season to showcase his skills against top collegiate competition.
What It Means for the Lakers
The Lakers viewed Avila as an intriguing developmental prospect after signing him to an Exhibit 10 deal. Nicknamed “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” for his old-school post game and signature goggles, the 6-foot-10 big man attracted plenty of attention during his college career.
If he chooses to return to college, the Lakers would lose one of their most interesting training camp prospects before the regular season even begins.
Eligibility Still Not Fully Settled
Although the court ruling opened the door for a potential return, Avila’s path back to college is not guaranteed. The NCAA has since clarified that athletes must still satisfy other eligibility requirements, including rules related to professional participation. Because Avila signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Lakers, officials must determine whether he still qualifies to compete in college.
The Bottom Line
Robbie Avila now faces a rare career crossroads. He can continue pursuing his NBA dream with the Lakers or take advantage of a possible extra year of college basketball to further develop his game and potentially increase his future value. With NCAA eligibility questions still being sorted out, his decision could have a significant impact on both his career and the Lakers’ offseason plans.