NBA Widens Gambling Probe, Requests Lakers’ Phones
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The NBA has broadened its investigation into illicit sports betting and has asked several franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, to hand over documents and electronic devices, according to The Athletic.
The expanded inquiry follows last month’s federal indictment that named Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA guard Damon Jones. Jones, once a shooting coach for LeBron James, allegedly had access to confidential information while working around the Lakers.
New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is conducting the league’s review. Investigators have requested access to team-issued cell phones and internal communications, The Athletic reported.
Lakers assistant athletic trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims—both longtime members of James’ inner circle—have already surrendered their phones voluntarily. Neither they nor James have been accused of wrongdoing, but their connection to Jones is under scrutiny.
Federal prosecutors allege Jones twice sold private injury details about Lakers players to gamblers, including information tied to a Feb. 9, 2023 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and a Jan. 15, 2024 game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. James did not play in the 2023 contest.
A league spokesperson told The Athletic the NBA began its investigation as soon as the indictment became public and that “everyone has been fully cooperative.”
The Athletic also reported that at least two executives from organizations cited in the federal case have been informed that the league’s review is expanding. The indictment references a former Orlando Magic starter who allegedly alerted a bettor that Orlando would rest key players before an April 2023 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers; Orlando officials have not been contacted by the Department of Justice, according to a league source.
Prosecutors further claim a coach fitting Billups’ description supplied insider information that led to wagers placed against Portland. Billups has only been charged with participating in illegal poker games.
League sources told The Athletic the NBA is crafting stricter player-status reporting guidelines to address vulnerabilities revealed by the federal case.
Source: Hoops Wire
