Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Briefly Detained in Bahamas

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas on suspicion of marijuana possession, according to Reuters, an incident that drew quick attention given the big man’s uneven first season in Los Angeles.

Ayton’s attorney, Devard Francis, told Reuters that the former No. 1 overall pick was not arrested and was released shortly after investigators determined the marijuana was not found in Ayton’s bag.

“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 told Reuters, adding that the marijuana was located in someone else’s luggage.

Marijuana remains illegal in the Bahamas, despite recent moves toward legalization for medical and religious use.

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Reuters: Ayton Released Quickly, Not Arrested

According to Reuters, Ayton — a native of the Bahamas — was detained briefly while authorities investigated the situation at the airport. Francis emphasized that Ayton cooperated fully and was released without charges once officials confirmed the substance did not belong to him.

There is no indication the incident will result in further legal action, and Ayton was free to leave after the brief detention.

Still, the episode adds another layer of scrutiny to a season that has already been turbulent for the Lakers’ starting center.

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Timing Adds to Spotlight on Ayton’s Lakers Tenure

The timing of the airport incident comes as Ayton continues to face questions about his role, effort and long-term fit in Los Angeles. The Lakers acquired the 7-footer last summer on a two-year deal following stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.

Ayton missed his second consecutive game last Thursday with knee soreness, and availability has become an ongoing concern. Through 46 games with the Lakers, he is averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists and one block while shooting an eye-catching 67.5% from the field.

Those numbers suggest efficiency, but they have not fully quelled criticism about Ayton’s defensive impact and overall motor — critiques that have followed him since his early years in Phoenix.

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Bleacher Report Criticism Resurfaces

After the All-Star break, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz named Ayton the sixth-most overrated player in the NBA, revisiting familiar concerns about his consistency and defensive ceiling.

“There’s a reason why Portland is paying Ayton nearly $27 million this season to play for someone else,” Swartz wrote, referencing the final season of Ayton’s four-year, $133 million maximum contract — an offer sheet originally signed with the Indiana Pacers and matched by Phoenix in 2022.

Swartz also cited the moment former Suns coach Monty Williams benched Ayton in Game 7 of the 2022 playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, a decision that became emblematic of Ayton’s strained relationship with Phoenix.

Now with the Lakers, similar questions have emerged under first-year head coach JJ Redick, particularly regarding rim protection and defensive intensity despite Ayton’s size and wingspan.

In early January, Ayton complained about his lack of touches.

“Bigs can’t feed themselves and I just try my best to do what I can to bring effort and I trust my playmakers out there to find me,” Ayton said after a Jan. 4 win in Memphis.

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Ayton’s Strong Ties to Bahamas Basketball

Off the NBA court, Ayton remains a central figure in Bahamian basketball. He suited up for the Bahamian national team during Olympic qualifying in 2024, averaging 19.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while playing alongside NBA players Buddy Hield, VJ Edgecombe Jr. and former NBA guard Eric Gordon.

His prominence at home only magnified attention to Tuesday’s airport incident, even as Reuters reported the matter was resolved quickly.

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Focus Shifts Back to Lakers’ Playoff Push

With no charges filed and the situation clarified, the Lakers will turn their focus back to Ayton’s health and on-court production as they navigate the stretch run. For Ayton, the brief detention — while ultimately a non-issue legally — arrives at a moment when every development, on or off the floor, is being closely examined in Los Angeles.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo