News of the FBI’s investigation into illegal sports gambling and poker rings rocked the NBA world Thursday. The probe has led to 34 arrests—including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. It has also brought the Los Angeles Lakers into an unwanted spotlight.
Lakers Involved in FBI’s NBA Gambling Probe; JJ Redick Responds
LeBron James’ Friend Leaked Lakers’ Secrets
According to an unsealed federal indictment, Damon Jones, a close friend of LeBron James who was also a former player and assistant coach, is accused of sharing private information about James’ status before a regular-season game in February of 2023. According to ESPN, Jones was an “unpaid” and “unofficial” member of former head coach Darvin Ham’s staff.
The game in question, a Feb. 9 duel between the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, came days after LeBron broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, and was one James did not play in due to ankle soreness. The Athletic reports:
“According to the indictment, Jones … sold or tried to profit from non-public information so that others could bet on it, including alleged co-conspirators Eric Earnest and Marves Fairley. It was about who would not be playing or if they would pull themselves out of games early.
“A league source with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic that James was unaware that Jones shared information about his playing status.”
The game included other absences for the Lakers aside from James. It came just after the trade deadline that saw them reunite with D’Angelo Russell while adding Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team deal involving Russell Westbrook. The Lakers lost to the Bucks, 115-106.
Not an Isolated Incident
Jones engaged in similar behavior nearly a year later, ahead of a Jan. 15, 2024, tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder, per The Athletic.
“[Jones] learned from a trainer that the player was hurt and his minutes or performance would be affected. Marves Fairley, another defendant, bet $100,000 against the Lakers for this game, and the injury report simply said that the player was probable.
The Lakers, however, won the game, and the player played to form. Therefore, Fairley asked Jones to repay him the $2,500 he was paid for the information.”
Though the indictment only names that individual as “Player 4,” a glance at that game’s injury report seemingly confirms that star’s identity: ex-Laker Anthony Davis.
JJ Redick on Lakers’ Awareness of Anti-Gambling Rules
During Thursday’s post-practice media session, head coach JJ Redick did not specifically mention the investigation, but noted he and the team are aware of the NBA’s anti-gambling policies, which prohibit players, teams and employees from betting on games or any of the league’s properties.
“We’ve had two meetings on it already. It’s obviously on the front of everyone’s awareness given the last two years, but other than that, there’s no other comment.”
So far, Redick’s brief response (or lack thereof) is the only communication from the Lakers on this matter. There’s a chance that could change in the coming days, though, since the Blazers and the NBA released respective statements Thursday morning.
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