The NBA has initiated a probe into illegal gambling allegations, prompting requests for cell phones and other documents from various teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. This investigation follows federal charges filed last month, which have raised concerns across professional sports.
Reports surfaced on November 15 detailing the league's engagement with an independent law firm to scrutinize the allegations stemming from the indictment. An NBA spokesperson confirmed, “As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative.”
At the center of this inquiry is former NBA player Damon Jones, who previously worked as a shooting coach for Lakers star LeBron James. The league's focus on Jones arises from his close ties to the team, leading to requests for phone records and devices from at least ten Lakers employees.
Jones, 49, faces serious accusations of selling private injury information to gamblers and has pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims have reportedly complied with the investigation, voluntarily surrendering their cell phones. Notably, neither Mancias nor Mims has been charged with any crime or named in federal documents.
This investigation reflects a broader issue of illegal gambling infiltrating professional sports. Last month, federal authorities arrested Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier as part of a related gambling investigation. Both were taken into custody on October 23.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his concerns regarding the integrity of the league following these arrests, stating, “There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition. So I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”
Rozier had previously been investigated by the NBA in March 2023 due to unusual betting activity linked to his performance in a game; however, the league found no violations at that time, allowing him to continue playing.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is also facing scrutiny over illegal betting by its players. Recently, two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, were indicted on various charges related to a sports gambling scheme.
In response to these developments, MLB stated, “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”
Before Game 2 of the 2025 World Series, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed the importance of partnerships between sports leagues and gambling companies, emphasizing that such relationships help leagues monitor gambling activities. “Once you’re in that environment where sports betting is happening, the crucial issue is access to data,” Manfred explained. “That means you have to have a relationship with the sportsbooks.”
In addition to the Lakers, the Orlando Magic were mentioned in the federal charges; however, reports indicate that they have not yet been contacted by the Department of Justice.
