The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly among the NBA teams contacted by investigators in the wake of a growing illegal gambling scandal shaking the league.
Federal authorities made a series of high-profile arrests last month, including current and former players and coaches, leaving the basketball world in shock.
Independent Law Firm Steps In
In response to the allegations, the NBA hired an independent law firm to handle the investigation.
As part of their review, teams across the league, including the Lakers, have been asked to preserve records and provide information.
An NBA spokesperson said:
“The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public.
As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records.
Everyone has been fully cooperative.”
Among those reportedly contacted from the Lakers are assistant coach Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, along with about a dozen other staff members.
Allegations Involving Former Player and Coach Damon Jones
The investigation took a dramatic turn with accusations against former player and coach Damon Jones.
Federal prosecutors allege that Jones sold non-public injury information about Lakers players to gamblers during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
One specific incident highlighted in the indictment reportedly involved a key Lakers player and a January 15, 2024, game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Prosecutors claim Jones shared the information with co-defendant Eric Earnest, who then passed it to known bettor Marves Fairley.
Fairley allegedly placed a $100,000 bet against the Lakers, which failed when the player ended up playing as usual, and Los Angeles won the game.
Financial Transactions and Further Allegations
The indictment also claims that Fairley asked Jones to refund $2,500 paid to obtain the injury information.
Jones allegedly shared additional non-public injury information about his friend and former teammate LeBron James, referred to in court documents as “Player 3.”
Importantly, James has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing in the FBI investigation.
Last week, Jones pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering at a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, and remains free on $200,000 bond.
Connections to Other High-Profile Figures
The case has wider implications beyond the Lakers. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was also arrested as part of the FBI’s probe into the sports betting conspiracy.
Meanwhile, a separate but related indictment alleges that Jones and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were involved in a Mafia-linked rigged poker ring that defrauded victims out of $7 million.
Both Rozier and Billups have denied wrongdoing through their attorneys.
Financial History of Damon Jones
Court records reveal that Jones has faced financial troubles dating back to 2013, when he filed for bankruptcy.
Though that case was dismissed, he filed again two years later, reporting liabilities of up to $1 million and assets between $100,001 and $500,000.
These personal financial struggles add another layer to the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in gambling and fraud.
NBA and Fans on Alert
As the investigation continues, the NBA and the public await further updates.
Teams like the Lakers are cooperating fully, but the scandal has left fans and the basketball community on edge, with more revelations expected in the coming months.
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