The NBA is requesting cell phones and documents from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, as part of an ongoing probe into illegal sports gambling. The investigation follows federal charges against former Lakers associate Damon Jones and others, amid congressional scrutiny. Lakers staff members tied to LeBron James, such as Mike Mancias and Randy Mims, have already cooperated by surrendering their devices.
The NBA has intensified its investigation into illegal sports betting by asking several teams to provide documents and property, with the Los Angeles Lakers prominently involved, according to six league sources. This effort comes after federal indictments last month from the Department of Justice, targeting current and former players in schemes to share private information for gambling advantages.
Congressional committees from the House and Senate questioned the NBA last month on why it failed to detect involvement by players and coaches in such activities. In response, the league hired the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to gather evidence, including access to cell phones from team personnel. For the Lakers, investigators are targeting at least 10 employees, focusing on connections to Damon Jones, a former NBA player and LeBron James' ex-shooting coach who had unofficial access to the team.
Jones, arrested last month, faces charges for selling injury information on two Lakers stars—referred to as Player 3 and Player 4 in the indictment—to gamblers. On February 9, 2023, Jones allegedly learned Player 3 would miss a game against the Milwaukee Bucks and advised a co-conspirator to place a large bet on the Bucks; James did not play that night. On January 15, 2024, he reportedly shared details of Player 4's injury impacting a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sourced from a team trainer.
Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, both long-time James associates, have voluntarily handed over their cell phones. Neither has been charged, nor has James, who is not named in federal documents. Jones pleaded not guilty earlier this month in a Brooklyn federal courthouse.
The probe extends beyond the Lakers. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were charged last month; Rozier is on unpaid leave pending an NBPA appeal. An unnamed Orlando Magic starter allegedly tipped off gamblers about tanking a April 2023 game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Previously, the NBA expelled Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter in April 2024 for a betting scheme.
An NBA spokesman stated: “The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public. 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.”
League sources indicate upcoming changes to injury reporting rules to prevent similar incidents. Jones' unofficial Lakers role ended after one season.