The FBI on Thursday morning announced multiple arrests tied to an illegal sports-gambling and poker ring that allegedly used inside information from NBA games, including contests involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
Authorities took Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier into custody for suspected wagering on NBA contests and detained Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups on accusations of operating a Mafia-linked poker network. Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones—a longtime friend of Lakers star LeBron James—was arrested in connection with both the betting and poker schemes.
Alleged use of non-public injury news
According to an unsealed indictment cited by reporters Mike Prada and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Jones supplied gamblers with confidential player-availability details. One example centers on the Feb. 9, 2023 matchup between the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. Before the game, Jones reportedly texted an unnamed partner that a Lakers player would sit out and urged a bet on Milwaukee. James, who was later ruled out with ankle soreness, did not appear on the official injury report at the time of the message.
The indictment further claims Jones offered similar information during the 2023-24 season, identifying “Player 4,” described by prosecutors as one of the Lakers’ top performers. Jones has never been on the Lakers’ payroll.
Lakers among teams targeted
The FBI said wagers based on insider tips were placed on games involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers. Despite those revelations, neither James nor the Lakers organization is currently the subject of a federal investigation.
Context of the 2023 Bucks game
The Feb. 9, 2023 contest ended in a 115-106 home loss for Los Angeles. The game fell on the NBA trade deadline, a day when the Lakers finalized a deal to acquire D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in exchange for Russell Westbrook and others, leaving the roster shorthanded in addition to James’ absence.
Separate on-court note
In unrelated team news, first-year head coach JJ Redick credited James for leading a film session after Tuesday’s season-opening defeat to the Golden State Warriors, even though the four-time MVP is presently sidelined by injury.
The FBI investigation into gambling and organized poker operations is ongoing, and officials indicated more developments could follow.
Source: Lakers Nation
