Key Moments:
- The NBA expanded its investigation into suspected illegal gambling and now seeks documents and electronic devices from several team staff members.
- DFederal prosecutors charged Damon Jones and Terry Rozier with sharing private player information for betting schemes.
- Authorities arrested over 30 people in connection with organized crime and sports-related corruption, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups
NBA Initiates Comprehensive Internal Review
The NBA escalated its inquiry into suspected unlawful gambling and requested documents, mobile phones, and electronic records from employees across several franchises. This action follows federal indictments involving Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player and coach Damon Jones. According to ESPN, the league appointed an independent law firm to lead the investigation.
Los Angeles Lakers Staff Implicated
As reported by ESPN, the current probe has extended to organizations including the Los Angeles Lakers. Investigators contacted several Lakers staff members, including assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims. Both men submitted their devices, cooperated fully, and do not appear as defendants or references in any related federal filings. The Athletic reported that investigators approached about a dozen Lakers employees, making this one of the largest internal evidence-gathering efforts in NBA history. The investigations center on Damon Jones’s alleged activities during his association with the Lakers.
🔥🚨BREAKING: The NBA is now asking for the phones and emails of at least 10 Los Angles Lakers employees, including two of LeBron James associates, as part of its investigation into illegal sports gambling per NYT. pic.twitter.com/MUO3Q0VQVu
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) November 16, 2025
Detailing the Allegations Against Damon Jones
Federal prosecutors claim that Jones gave gamblers private injury information about Lakers players in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. Authorities assert that Jones sourced these updates from a team trainer, forwarding the valuable insights to associates who leveraged them for betting purposes. Specific claims include Jones supplying advance information on a Lakers player’s condition ahead of a January 2024 contest versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. The intelligence was said to be channeled through intermediaries before a bookmaker staked approximately $100,000 against the Lakers. That wager ultimately failed when the subject player played as expected and the Lakers secured victory, leading to disagreements regarding compensation for the inside information.
Jones has entered a not guilty plea to wire fraud and money laundering charges. He has never held a formal role with the Lakers but maintains close relationships with several team affiliates.
Federal Case Against Terry Rozier Draws Focus
Rozier is accused of notifying a childhood acquaintance of his intent to leave a March 2023 game during the opening quarter. Prosecutors allege this information was elicitly resold for a significant amount, providing bettors the advantage to wager more than $263,000 on his performance falling below expectations. Rozier exited the contest after slightly more than nine minutes, citing a foot problem, although he was not listed as injured prior to the game. He faces arraignment in December, and his legal counsel has affirmed his innocence.
This instance has reignited scrutiny of the NBA’s earlier probe into that matchup, during which unusual betting activity had prompted a league investigation. No infractions were discovered at the time, though the league continued to coordinate with law enforcement as the situation unfolded.
Broader Law Enforcement Efforts and Related Charges
This matter unfolds alongside a broader federal response featuring more than 30 arrests, targeting both organized crime groups and sports-related illicit activities. Among those detained was Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who was charged in relation to underground poker operations allegedly involving cheating technology and connections to crime organizations. Billups is not implicated in the betting allegations against Rozier and Jones and has denied any wrongdoing.
The indictment also names an unnamed conspirator whose professional background aligns with Billups, accusing this individual of disclosing player availability ahead of a March 2023 Trail Blazers matchup. This accusation remains separate but is included within the overall government investigation into sports corruption. Other sports have seen similar scandals, as highlighted by two Cleveland Guardians pitchers recently charged in an independent MLB-related case.
Ongoing NBA Collaboration and Leadership Response
NBA representatives stated that all parties contacted during the investigation have fully adhered to requests to retain and provide relevant documents and devices. ESPN cited a league spokesperson as saying these measures are standard in cases of this type and that cooperation has been thorough.
Commissioner Adam Silver commented on the matter, describing the developments as “deeply troubling” and emphasized the NBA’s commitment to upholding competitive integrity. Silver reiterated the league’s ongoing collaboration with federal authorities as the process continues.
Key Individuals and Allegations at a Glance
| Name | Role/Team | Allegation/Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damon Jones | Former player & coach, Lakers affiliate | Alleged sharing of private injury details for betting | Pleaded not guilty |
| Terry Rozier | Miami Heat guard | Accused of tipping off acquaintance about March 2023 exit | Scheduled for December arraignment |
| Chauncey Billups | Portland Trail Blazers head coach | Charged over underground poker and alleged crime ties (unrelated to Jones/Rozier sports-betting case) | Denies wrongdoing |
- Author
Daniel Williams
