Robbie Avila could end up leaving the Los Angeles Lakers before the regular season even begins after an unexpected NCAA ruling reopened the door for another year of college basketball.

The Lakers signed the undrafted center to an Exhibit 10 contract following the 2026 NBA Draft, but basketball insider Adam Zagoria reported that Avila is now “waiting to see what his options are” after receiving an additional season of NCAA eligibility.

The ruling stems from a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte Sweeney, who granted a preliminary injunction allowing members of the 2022 high school graduating class who had exhausted their eligibility this spring to compete for another season.

That leaves Avila with a choice between continuing his professional career with the Lakers or returning to the college game after graduating from Saint Louis earlier this year.

Known for his distinctive look and the nickname “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” because of the protective glasses he wears, the 6-foot-10 center was a fan favorite in college.

He saw limited action during NBA Summer League after averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, a campaign that earned him Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors.

Lakers rookie Robbie Avila considering return to college in stunning reversal https://t.co/sKJPxVt2d0 pic.twitter.com/YmpoZk3RUL