While the 2026 NBA Draft is now in the rearview mirror, the Lakers are still making roster moves. A move they made June 25 is sure to bring a lot of smiles to basketball fans.
Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express broke news on Thursday that the Lakers have signed Robbie Avila to an Exhibit 10 contract after Avila wasn’t drafted. This contract means that Avila has agreed to a one-year, nonguaranteed deal for the league minimum salary with the Lakers.
This Exhibit 10 contract can also be converted to a two-way contract, which would then result in any bonus money (which can reach up to $75,000) becoming guaranteed.
Avila is a 22-year-old, 6-foot-10 center who played his first two college basketball seasons at Indiana State before transferring to Saint Louis. He averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game with the Billikens during his senior season, which was enough to earn him A-10 Player of the Year honors.
Avila has become a college basketball fan favorite because of his unique, eccentric look. He doesn’t have the typical body type of a basketball star, plus the glasses he wears on the court have provided several hilarious nicknames, including “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” (which is fitting, now that he’s with the Lakers).
Now Los Angeles didn’t sign Avila because it would go over with fans. He’s a versatile forward who is an excellent passer for his size and position. Plus, Avila shot 41% from 3-point range during his senior season and 37.9% from 3 throughout his college career, which shows he can expand the floor.
It will be fun to see whether Avila can earn a spot on the Lakers’ roster in the upcoming season.