KEY POINTS
- Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained at a Bahamas airport on suspicion of marijuana possession.
- His lawyer said the substance was found in another person’s luggage, and Ayton was released without charges.
- Marijuana remains illegal in the Bahamas despite moves toward limited medical and religious use.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas on February 17. The 27-year-old, who is from the Bahamas, was preparing to travel back to the United States.
Authorities stopped him on suspicion of possessing a small amount of marijuana. Early reports suggested he had been arrested. However, his attorney later clarified that he was only detained.Ayton’s lawyer, Devard Francis, said investigators determined the substance was not in Ayton’s luggage. Officials completed their review and released him once they confirmed he did not possess the marijuana.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Los Angeles Lakers did not immediately issue public statements about the incident.
The Bahamas has moved toward limited legalization of marijuana for medical and religious use. However, the drug remains illegal for general use under current law. Possession of any quantity can result in police action.Ayton signed with the Lakers last summer on a two-year contract. He previously played for the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.
This season marks his first with Los Angeles. He has contributed with strong rebounding and scoring performances.Ayton had missed two games before the airport incident due to knee soreness.
The NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement does not classify marijuana as a banned substance. As a result, league discipline does not apply in this case.Ayton is expected to return to the Lakers lineup following the All-Star break as the team resumes its schedule.
