The Los Angeles Lakers acted swiftly to address player conduct after superstar LeBron James was unexpectedly linked to the NBA’s widening federal betting investigation that resulted in the arrest of his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Damon Jones, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed Thursday that the team held multiple internal meetings this week to reinforce the league’s strict anti-gambling policies.
“It’s obviously at the front of everyone’s awareness, given the last two years,” Redick told reporters after practice, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The heightened awareness follows The Athletic’s report that Jones allegedly used non-public information about LeBron James for gambling purposes. According to the report, Jones tipped off a co-conspirator that James would sit out a February 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks — information that had not yet been made public or known to oddsmakers. James ultimately missed that game, which the Bucks won 115–106.
LeBron James Cleared of Wrongdoing
Jones was not employed by the Lakers or any NBA team at the time, but investigators said his close relationship with James and other players gave him access to confidential information that he allegedly exploited.
Despite the proximity of the allegations, The Athletic emphasized that LeBron James had no involvement or knowledge of Jones’ actions.
“A league source with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic that James was unaware that Jones shared information about his playing status,” the report said.
James has not commented publicly, but the incident has prompted swift responses from both the Lakers and the NBA.
NBA Places Billups and Rozier on Immediate Leave
The NBA issued an official statement Thursday acknowledging the indictments and confirming that both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave pending the outcome of the federal investigation.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league statement said. “Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
The NBA said it will continue to monitor the case closely.
Federal Documents Detail Further Allegations Against Jones
According to USA Today, federal prosecutors allege that Jones also shared private player-health information related to a Jan. 15, 2024, game between the Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Court filings say Jones told a bettor that a “Player 4,” identified by investigators as Anthony Davis, was managing an injury and would see limited minutes. Davis had been listed as “probable” on the Lakers’ injury report before the game.
Authorities said Jones received a $2,500 payment for the tip via a peer-to-peer payment app. One of his alleged co-conspirators, Marves Fairley, then placed a $100,000 bet on the Lakers to lose. However, the bet failed — Davis played 35 minutes, scored 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and helped the Lakers win.
From LeBron’s Teammate to Federal Defendant
Jones, 49, and James were teammates with the Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, helping the franchise reach the 2007 NBA Finals. After his playing career, Jones joined Cleveland’s coaching staff in 2016, a move that James publicly supported.
Though Jones has not held an NBA coaching position since 2018, prosecutors said he maintained relationships with several active players, giving him informal access to inside information.
Jones, Billups, and Rozier were all taken into custody this week for their alleged roles in the same betting operation. Prosecutors confirmed that the case is tied to a larger federal probe that previously led to former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter pleading guilty to conspiracy charges. Porter admitted to sharing insider information with bettors and faces sentencing in December.
Lakers Emphasize Education and Protection
The allegations against Jones represent another test of the NBA’s integrity as legalized sports betting continues to expand across the United States. The Lakers, like other teams around the league, have responded by strengthening education and compliance programs to ensure players fully understand the league’s anti-gambling rules and the potential risks associated with betting activities.
Redick said the organization remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability.
And the Lakers are making sure their players are protected — not only from the influence of outside betting circles but also from being unknowingly connected to investigations like this one.
For now, the franchise is focused on maintaining stability amid a turbulent moment for the league.
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