The NBA’s widening investigation into illegal sports gambling has pulled the Los Angeles Lakers organization and key associates of superstar LeBron James into the public eye, according to league sources. While James himself is not accused of any wrongdoing, the probe’s focus stems from the federal indictment of a former player and close James confidant.
The league, utilizing an independent law firm, has asked the Lakers to hand over documents and electronic property, including cell phones, from multiple employees as it investigates the use of non-public team information for betting purposes.
The Damon Jones Connection
The current internal NBA investigation was prompted by federal charges filed last month against former NBA player and coach Damon Jones. Jones, a former teammate and longtime associate of James, is accused of selling confidential player injury information to an illegal betting ring, including a tip about an unannounced absence by James before a 2023 Lakers game.
The federal documents explicitly identify James as “Player 3” in a text message allegedly sent by Jones, urging bettors to wager against the Lakers using the privileged injury information. Prosecutors and league sources have been clear that LeBron James had no knowledge of or involvement in the scheme.
Key Associates Cooperating
Due to Jones’ access to the team, which was largely facilitated by his long-standing relationship with James, investigators have requested information from at least 10 Lakers employees.
The scrutiny is particularly focused on two members of James’ inner circle:
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Mike Mancias, James’ assistant athletic trainer.
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Randy Mims, a longtime executive administrator for James and the team.
Both Mancias and Mims are employed by the Lakers primarily because of their close ties to the superstar. Sources confirm both men have voluntarily cooperated with the league probe, turning over their cell phones to investigators.
“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,” an NBA spokesperson said in a statement.
The expanding investigation, which also led to charges against Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, highlights the difficult challenges facing the NBA as legalized sports betting continues to grow across the nation. The league is now expected to face pressure to implement stricter reporting standards to prevent confidential locker room information from being exploited.
