Los Angeles — Former NBA guard Damon Jones was taken into federal custody Thursday on charges that he passed confidential injury information about LeBron James to gamblers in an illegal sports-betting ring, according to investigators.
Jones is one of 34 people named in a sweeping probe that also led to the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, FBI Director Kash Patel said. The multiyear investigation spans nearly a dozen states and involves tens of millions of dollars.
Details of the indictment
Prosecutors allege Jones texted a co-conspirator on Feb. 9, 2023—hours before the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks—urging, “get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight” because James would not play. James, who had broken Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record two nights earlier, sat out three consecutive games with left-ankle soreness. Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 115-106.
The filing states Jones added, “Bet enough so Djones can eat too now!!!”
Investigators say Jones again supplied nonpublic injury details ahead of the Lakers’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 15, 2024.
Relationship with the Lakers
Jones, an 11-year NBA veteran, was an unpaid, informal guest under former Lakers coach Darvin Ham during the 2022-23 season after spending that summer around James’s off-season workouts. He has no role with current head coach JJ Redick.
A source close to James told ESPN the four-time MVP did not know Jones was involved in gambling activities. James is not accused of wrongdoing.
The Lakers declined comment Thursday. Redick said the team has already held two meetings this season to review the NBA’s anti-gambling rules, calling the topic “front of everyone’s awareness.”
The federal case also includes separate allegations of rigged poker games tied to organized crime, authorities said.
No trial date has been set. All defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: ESPN
