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Report: Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Briefly Detained in Bahamas on Suspicion of Marijuana Possession
Ayton was quickly released without charges after authorities confirmed marijuana was in another traveler’s bag; marijuana remains illegal in the Bahamas.
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers center, was briefly detained at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, on suspicion of a very small amount of marijuana, lawyer Devard Francis said.
- Airport investigators said the stop stemmed from a luggage search after marijuana was linked to another traveler’s bag while Ayton was in the Bahamas during the All-Star break.
- A search of Ayton found no marijuana and investigators checked baggage thoroughly, TMZ reported he allegedly smoked on the premises, and Ayton missed his second consecutive game last Thursday with knee soreness.
- Investigators cleared Ayton and the legal risk appears minimal, and the Lakers will shift focus to his health and Friday's game against the Clippers.
- Criticism about Ayton's consistency and salary have resurfaced, adding context to local scrutiny, as the NBA no longer tests players for marijuana, contrasting with Bahamas enforcement.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Deandre Ayton, center for the Los Angeles Lakers, a North American basketball team that also includes Slovenian star Luka Dončić, was briefly detained by police at the Nassau airport in the Bahamas for possession of marijuana, ESPN reports.
Pasadena Star News
Report: Lakers’ Deandre Ayton briefly detained in Bahamas on suspicion of marijuana possession
Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained at an airport in the Bahamas on Tuesday, but he was ultimately released, according to TMZ Sports. Ayton, 27, was in his native country during the All-Star break. While at the Lyden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, before flying back to Los Angeles for the final 28 games of the NBA regular season, authorities detained Ayton after he allegedly smoked marijuana on the premises, TMZ …
Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Briefly Detained in Bahamas: Report
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas on suspicion of marijuana possession, according to Reuters, an incident that drew quick attention given the big man’s uneven first season in Los Angeles.Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, told Reuters that the former No. 1 overall pick was not arrested and was released shortly after investigators determined the marijuana wa…
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