Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton faced a brief detention at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas, when authorities suspected marijuana possession. Officers conducted a search of his bags after observing him smoking on the premises, but found no contraband, leading to his release without charges.
Details of the Incident
The episode unfolded at the airport in Ayton’s native Bahamas. Personnel from the Central Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force initiated the search based on the observed activity. Ayton, traveling back to the U.S., departed the scene promptly after clearance.
Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, confirmed his client experienced only a short hold by police, with no charges pursued. Francis noted Ayton is en route to Los Angeles to rejoin the Lakers following the All-Star break.
Legal Landscape
Marijuana remains illegal in the Bahamas, though recent laws have eased penalties for small amounts. Possession of less than an ounce now carries a $250 fine rather than criminal prosecution. In contrast, the substance is legal in California, Ayton’s home base with the Lakers.
The NBA has shifted its stance, eliminating punishments and random testing for marijuana use among players.
Ayton’s Professional Background
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton helped the team reach the 2021 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. He became the first player in the shot-clock era to shoot over 70% from the field across a 12-game postseason stretch that year.
A former University of Arizona standout, Ayton earned a 25-game suspension in 2019 for testing positive for a banned diuretic. The Suns traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023; Portland bought out his contract in summer 2025, after which he signed with the Lakers.
Current Performance and Team Standing
This season, Ayton posts career lows of 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game across 46 starts. The Lakers hold a 33-21 record, securing fifth place in the Western Conference as they resume play post All-Star break.
