NBA teams and players have recently been finding themselves in the mud after allegations of illegal gambling arise. The most recent team to find themselves in the headlines for such issues is the Los Angeles Lakers.
As per The Athletic‘s Joe Vardon, Mike Vorkunov, and Sam Amick’s sources, the NBA has asked multiple teams, including the Lakers, to hand over documents and property as part of its investigation into illegal gambling. The same reports also suggest two of LeBron James’ associates are among those cooperating.
BREAKING: The NBA has asked the Lakers and several other teams to turn in cell phones as part of its investigation into illegal sports gambling 😳 pic.twitter.com/AunEABoRqP
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) November 15, 2025
Previously, the Department of Justice was carrying out its own investigation into illegal gambling and poker activities around the league. This came to light last month when Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier were indicted in these charges. This has urged the league to continue its own investigation while the Congress is also keeping a close eye on such developments.
Among the ones arrested also included Damon Jones, who was a former NBA player and later LeBron James’ shooting coach. Damon was arrested for his involvement in illegal betting, following which, the league is now looking into cell phones, phone records and other documents from “at least 10 Lakers employees,” as per The Athletic.
Some of the Lakers officials under investigation are assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims. The two individuals, as per The Athletic, are on the Lakers’ payrolls due to their connection to LeBron James and have reportedly already handed their cell phones to investigators while cooperating with the investigation.
As of now, none of the named individuals and neither LeBron James have been charged or named in any document. But for now, Damon Jones’ connection to the Lakers was probably one of the reasons behind the Lakers falling under the radar of investigation.
Damon Jones Has Pleaded Not Guilty To Illegal Betting Charges
As the betting scandals draw the NBA at large, Damon James’ association has become one of the most profound discoveries. As per the charges, Jones’ name was associated in the scandal, with him reportedly selling injury information to bettors on several occasions.
As per reports, one of such leaked details involved LeBron James, wherein on February 9, 2023, Jones allegedly told a co-conspirator to place a “big bet” on the Bucks because “Player 3” would be out. The player who ultimately sat out that game was LeBron James.
Jones has maintained a close relationship with LeBron James ever since being on the same team in Cleveland. However, he has been accused of using this relationship to sell information to the bettors. As of now, Jones has pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn court on November 7.
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