Head In The Clouds: Lakers' Ayton Briefly Detained In Bahamas Over Marijuana Suspicion

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 08:52 IST

Ayton was briefly detained at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas over marijuana suspicion, but his lawyer says he was not arrested and was released quickly.

Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas on suspicion of possessing a small amount of marijuana, according to his lawyer and two sources familiar with the matter.

Reuters reported that the Los Angeles Lakers center had been arrested and detained after marijuana was allegedly found. But Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, firmly disputed that version of events, insisting his client was never arrested.

“The investigators saw that the actual very small amount of marijuana wasn’t in Deandre’s bag, but they still went through their investigations and he was released expeditiously," Francis said.

Francis added that the marijuana was located in someone else’s bag.

Ayton, a native of the Bahamas, was released shortly after questioning. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Lakers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Legal context and timing

While the Bahamas has taken steps toward legalising marijuana for medical and religious use, recreational possession remains illegal across the archipelago.

The timing is notable for Ayton, who is entering a new chapter in his NBA career. The former No. 1 overall draft pick signed a two-year deal with the Lakers last summer after previous stints with the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers.

He missed his second consecutive game for Los Angeles last Thursday, though no official connection has been made between that absence and Tuesday’s airport incident.

For now, Ayton’s camp maintains the matter was a misunderstanding — brief, investigated and resolved.

(with Reuters inputs)

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