The NBA asked teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, for cell phones and documents related to an investigation into illegal sports betting, The Athletic reports.
Key Takeaways
- Damon Jones, a former assistant coach and LeBron James' close friend, allegedly twice sold information about Lakers players’ health statuses.
- James has not been mentioned as having shared any privileged information.
- A "regularly starting" Magic player told a sports bettor his team was going to “tank” in a game.
The NBA had not been aware of a Department of Justice investigation that led to the FBI arrests of several prominent members of the basketball community, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.
The NBA told committees from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that it would handle the arrests with the necessary scrutiny. Now, the league is asking teams, including the Lakers, for information.
Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz was in charge of contacting teams asking for access to cell phones and phone records, sources told The Athletic, and at least 10 Lakers employees were asked to share their materials.
Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims - both of whom are employed reportedly due to their ties to LeBron James - voluntarily surrendered their cell phones to investigators.
None of James, Mancias, or Mims were charged or directly named by investigators. However, they are under the microscope after Damon Jones, a close friend of James, was charged for allegedly selling information about the availability of Lakers players to sports bettors at least twice, according to an indictment obtained by The Athletic.
Prosecutors say Jones relayed confidential information from a team trainer in one instance.
Jones allegedly sold privileged Lakers info
According to federal prosecutors, Jones on the morning of Feb. 9, 2023, learned that “Player 3” would not appear in the Lakers’ contest against the Milwaukee Bucks, though he was not listed on the team’s injury report.
Jones sent that information to a co-conspirator and told them to place a “big bet” on the Bucks to win. James ultimately did not play in the 115-106 loss for the Lakers.
Nearly one year later, on Jan. 15, 2024, Jones allegedly sold a sports bettor information that “Player 4” was injured and likely would not play to his full capability in a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jones revealed he learned that from the trainer of “Player 3.”
Despite Jones’ warning, James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Taurean Prince - members of the Lakers’ starting five - all appeared in the 112-105 win.
Magic starter shared privileged information
The NBA’s new investigation includes more teams than just the Lakers. The Orlando Magic were also reportedly asked to turn over records.
A “regularly starting player” told a sports bettor the team planned to sit its starters to "tank" an April 2023 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, authorities said.
The unnamed player is no longer employed by the Magic. Player who potentially fit that description include Markelle Fultz (free agent), Gary Harris (Milwaukee Bucks), and Bol Bol (free agent), though that doesn't necessarily mean any one of them are the player in question.
The NBA is also reviewing Rozier’s case after he was placed on unpaid leave following his arrest. The league previously investigated Rozier and determined it did not have evidence to charge him with any wrongdoing, though federal authorities ultimately concluded he intentionally limited his availability in games to help prop bettors cash tickets on his unders.
