Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton encountered an unexpected delay this week while traveling through Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas. Authorities briefly detained the NBA big man over suspicions tied to marijuana possession. Within hours, he was released and allowed to continue his travel plans, with no charges filed against him.
The incident drew attention in both the United States and the Bahamas, where marijuana laws remain under active public discussion. Ayton, a native of the Bahamas and a former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, was preparing to return to Los Angeles as the Lakers gear up for the second half of the season. His attorney moved quickly to clarify the situation and address conflicting reports.
Deandre Ayton questioned by Bahamas authorities at airport
Reports first indicated that Deandre Ayton had been arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana while attempting to leave the country. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that he was detained at the airport. At the same time, Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, offered a different account.
"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 (per GMA News).
Francis also stated that the marijuana had been in someone else's bag. According to his account, Ayton was never formally arrested. He was briefly held while authorities conducted their search, then released once their investigation concluded.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Los Angeles Lakers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters reported that it was unable to determine Ayton’s immediate whereabouts following the incident.
Although the Bahamas has taken steps toward legalizing marijuana for medical and religious purposes, the substance remains illegal under current law.
Authorities released Deandre Ayton after questioning
After the questioning ended, Ayton was cleared to travel. His attorney confirmed that no charges were filed and that the Lakers center was on his way back to Los Angeles.
Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers last summer following stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot center is averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season. He also missed his second consecutive game last week due to knee soreness.
Drafted first overall in 2018 after a standout season at the University of Arizona, Ayton has been a key part of the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.Lachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he cov...
Read MoreLachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he covers the NBA, WWE, and other major international sporting events. With over five years of experience across different media houses, he has developed expertise in reporting, analysis, and storytelling. His sharp insights are complemented by a clear and engaging writing style. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Tezpur University. Beyond sports, Lachit is passionate about movies and enjoys gardening in his free time.
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