Deandre Ayton briefly detained in the Bahamas on suspicion of marijuana possession
Deandre Ayton, the Los Angeles Lakers center, experienced a mishap this Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. The 27-year-old player was briefly detained by local authorities on suspicion of possessing a « very small amount of marijuana, » according to statements from his lawyer Devard Francis to Reuters.
The former first overall draft pick, a native of the Bahamas and member of the national men’s team, was at the airport returning to the United States after spending the All-Star Game break in his home country.
Quick release after clarification of facts
According to Ayton’s lawyer, the situation was quickly clarified when investigators discovered that the marijuana was not in the player’s bag. « Investigators saw that the very small amount of marijuana was not in Deandre’s bag, but they still conducted their investigation and he was released quickly, » Devard Francis stated in a release.
Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas over suspected possession of a small amount of marijuana, his lawyer and sources told Reuters, per @jasperward94 pic.twitter.com/PqegMUbIHw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 18, 2026
This clarification allowed Ayton to avoid any legal prosecution, as the substance in question actually belonged to another traveler. The player was ultimately not arrested or charged, according to his legal representative.
Although the NBA has relaxed its policy concerning cannabis in recent years – players are no longer tested and marijuana was removed from the list of banned substances under the latest collective bargaining agreement – it remains illegal in the Bahamas for recreational use.
This mishap comes at a crucial time for Ayton, who is playing his first season wearing the Lakers jersey after signing a two-year contract worth $16.6 million. The center is posting solid statistics with 13.2 points per game on 67.5% shooting and 8.4 rebounds per game, the team’s best total in that category.
The Lakers, currently fifth in the Western Conference, resume competition Friday at home against the LA Clippers after the All-Star Game break. The team can count on Ayton’s presence in their quest for direct playoff qualification, which is far from secured at this stage of the season.
Comments (0)