Lakers' Deandre Ayton Arrested in Bahamas Over Marijuana

Arrest raises questions about player's status amid evolving pot laws and Lakers career uncertainty

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was arrested at an airport in the Bahamas after authorities found a small amount of marijuana in his possession. Ayton was temporarily detained but later released, with the investigation ongoing and details still emerging about the incident and its potential implications for his basketball career.

Why it matters

This arrest casts new uncertainty on Ayton's standing with the Lakers and the NBA, especially given his Bahamian roots and the evolving legal landscape around marijuana use. How this incident affects his playing status and public image remains to be seen as more information becomes available.

The details

According to sources, Ayton was arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport in the Bahamas while attempting to leave the country. He was temporarily detained by authorities after a small amount of marijuana was found in his possession, but was later released. Neither the Royal Bahamas Police Force nor the Lakers have commented publicly on the situation.

  • Ayton was arrested on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Ayton missed his second straight game for the Lakers last Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Deandre Ayton

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who was the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Ayton is a native of the Bahamas.

Los Angeles Lakers

The professional basketball team that Deandre Ayton currently plays for in the NBA.

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What’s next

The investigation into Ayton's arrest is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how this incident will affect his standing with the Lakers and the NBA.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the evolving legal landscape around marijuana use, even in Ayton's home country of the Bahamas, and the potential consequences for professional athletes. It also raises questions about Ayton's future with the Lakers and the NBA as more details emerge.