Lakers' Robbie Avila Contemplates Returning to College Basketball

WHO:

NY Post - Robbie Avila, a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hoops Rumors - Adam Zagoria, a basketball insider.

WHAT:

Hoops Rumors - Robbie Avila is considering a return to college basketball.

Hoops Rumors - Avila appeared in two Summer League games with the Lakers.

Hoops Rumors - A federal court ruling allows athletes from the Class of ’22 to seek a fifth year of college eligibility.

Hoops Rumors - The special transfer portal window for eligible athletes is open from August 3-10.

WHERE:

Hoops Rumors - The ruling was made in Denver, Colorado.

WHEN:

Hoops Rumors - The fifth season eligibility applies to the 2026/27 season.

Hoops Rumors - The NCAA plans to implement a “five-for-five” rule starting with athletes enrolling in college in fall 2027.

WHY:

Hoops Rumors - The court ruling was a response to the NCAA’s new eligibility rule, which was deemed unfavorable for athletes.

HOW:

Hoops Rumors - The ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney.

(UPDATED August 1, 2026 22:16 UTC)

Robbie Avila, a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers, is considering a return to college basketball after appearing in two Summer League games. A recent federal court ruling in Denver allows athletes from the Class of ’22 to seek a fifth year of college eligibility, with a special transfer portal window open from August 3 to August 10, and this eligibility will apply to the 2026/27 season. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney, was a response to the NCAA’s new eligibility rule, which was seen as unfavorable for athletes.