Federal prosecutors have accused former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones, who reportedly served as an “unofficial assistant coach” for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season. of selling private medical information about LeBron James to bettors as part of a sweeping NBA gambling investigation.
Jones allegedly “used his access to confidential player information to profit from illegal wagers” while working alongside organized crime-linked gamblers, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday in the Eastern District of New York.
The investigation also led to arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, tying multiple NBA figures to what prosecutors described as a multi-state, Mafia-backed betting ring.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. called it “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
In one cited exchange, Jones allegedly texted a co-conspirator, “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight.” The Los Angeles Times confirmed that the game referenced, a February 9, 2023, matchup between the Lakers and Bucks, coincided with James sitting out due to ankle soreness.
The indictment further claims Jones was paid thousands for providing insider tips throughout the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Not every wager was successful, in one case, prosecutors say a $100,000 bet based on a supposed injury to another Lakers star lost, and Jones was forced to return a $2,500 fee.
“Didn’t know that Jones was allegedly selling injury information to gamblers,” a source close to LeBron James told The Times that the Lakers superstar. The Lakers declined to comment on the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the probe uncovered “a coordinated network of NBA insiders and organized crime members exploiting private player information for massive financial gain.”
READ MORE: Victor Wembanyama Shares Surprising Take on His Height Amidst Rumors