The fallout from the FBI’s investigation into illegal gambling activities linked to the NBA continues to reverberate, with the Los Angeles Lakers caught in the spotlight due to former assistant coach Damon Jones.
Damon Jones Faces Federal Charges
Jones, who previously worked closely with the Lakers, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Earlier this month, he entered a plea of not guilty in federal court. Prosecutors allege that Jones provided non-public information about key players’ injuries to gamblers, who then placed bets on opposing teams. Among the players referenced in court documents was LeBron James.
One particularly striking piece of evidence is a text message the FBI says Jones sent to gamblers regarding a game against the Milwaukee Bucks:
“Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [James] is out tonight. Bet enough so Djones can eat too now!!!”
The game, played on February 9, 2023, ended in a 115-106 loss for Los Angeles.
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LeBron James Distances Himself
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James had already cut ties with Jones well before the indictments. A former Lakers staffer explained the significance of their prior bond:
“LeBron is very into routines. For a while, shooting with D-Jones was part of his routine.”
Despite their history dating back to Cleveland, the relationship had fractured long before the legal proceedings began. Sources emphasize that James had no knowledge of Jones’ alleged activities and remains uninvolved in any of the federal case.
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Lakers Cooperate With Authorities
The Lakers organization has fully cooperated with the FBI. Documents were provided, and both an assistant trainer and an executive administrator voluntarily shared their cell phone records to assist the investigation.
Meanwhile, Jones and his legal team have declined all interview requests. The former player once expressed unwavering confidence, saying in 2008:
“My confidence is never gone, never in my life. I usually come out on the other side smelling like roses.”
Now, in federal court, the reality is far removed from those sidelines, leaving Jones isolated as the investigation continues. For LeBron James, the matter is personal but clear: the NBA star is separated from the scandal, focused on his team, and uninvolved in the alleged gambling scheme.