Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was arrested Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas for being in possession of a small amount of marijuana, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
Ayton, a native of the Bahamas, was attempting to leave the country when authorities detained him. The sources said he was briefly held and later released. His current whereabouts were not immediately known.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not respond to requests for comment, and the Lakers organization also did not immediately issue a statement. Efforts to reach a representative for Ayton were unsuccessful.
Although the Bahamas has moved toward legalizing marijuana for medical and religious purposes, the drug remains illegal under national law. Possession, even in small amounts, can still result in arrest.
The development adds uncertainty for the Lakers, where Ayton recently signed a two-year deal last summer. The former No. 1 overall draft pick joined the franchise after previous stints with the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers. Since entering the league as a highly touted prospect, Ayton has been a prominent presence in the paint, known for his rebounding and interior scoring.
His arrival in Los Angeles paired him with superstar LeBron James as the team sought to bolster its frontcourt depth. However, Ayton missed his second consecutive game last Thursday, though it remains unclear whether that absence is related to the incident in the Bahamas.
The Lakers have yet to indicate whether the situation will affect Ayton’s availability moving forward. Under league policies, legal matters can sometimes trigger internal reviews or disciplinary procedures, depending on the outcome of any investigation.
For now, details remain limited. Authorities have not publicly outlined the amount of marijuana allegedly involved or whether further legal steps are expected.
Ayton’s brief detention comes at a critical point in the season, as the Lakers continue their campaign with postseason ambitions. Whether the matter will have longer-term implications for the 25-year-old center, either legally or professionally, remains to be seen.
More information is expected once officials or team representatives provide formal comment.
