Deandre Ayton Detained By Cops At Bahamas Airport, Searched For Weed, Released, Not Charged
Published on February 17, 2026, at 6:31 PM PST
Los Angeles Lakers star Deandre Ayton found himself in a bit of a predicament at the Bahamas airport when authorities detained him and searched his possessions for marijuana. However, the search turned up empty, and Ayton was eventually released without any charges being filed, according to TMZ Sports.
The Central Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force revealed that Ayton, a native of the Bahamas, was stopped at the Lyden Pindling International Airport after allegedly being seen smoking weed on the premises.
Contrary to initial reports, Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, provided a different account of the incident. Francis stated that his client was briefly held by authorities who conducted a search of his bag for marijuana. Following the search, Ayton was released, and no charges were pressed against him. Francis mentioned that Ayton is en route back to Los Angeles to rejoin the Lakers as they prepare for the second half of the NBA season.
Ayton, the former No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has previously played for the Suns and Blazers before becoming the starting center for the Lakers. Standing at 7 feet tall, Ayton is currently averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season.
Despite the airport incident, Ayton remains focused on his basketball career and is determined to contribute to the Lakers’ success on the court. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face both on and off the court, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and focused on their goals.
