The NBA betting scandal is spreading far and wide: As part of the FBI arrests, it also comes to light that Lakers star LeBron James appears in the investigations.
A spectacular FBI operation is shaking the NBA: As part of the betting scandal, even the name of superstar LeBron James is now emerging!
Background: Former pro Damon Jones, active in the league for eleven years, was arrested because he allegedly passed internal injury information about a “prominent player” to betting bosses.
As ESPN confirms citing a source close to the situation, this player is LeBron James. However, the superstar himself is not accused of any wrongdoing.
An absence of LeBron James allegedly played a role in the NBA betting scandal
Massive raid in NBA Betting Scandal
Jones is part of a group of 34 accused individuals who were arrested as part of a multi-year investigation. Besides him, Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Heat guard Terry Rozier are also said to be involved in the network of illegal sports bets and manipulated poker rounds with mafia connections.
FBI Director Kash Patel spoke of “tens of millions of dollars” in damages and investigations in nearly a dozen states. NBA coach Billups and guard Rozier have been temporarily released on bail.
Secret Text Message Before Bucks Duel
The central point of the indictment is a text message that Jones allegedly sent to an accomplice on February 9, 2023 – shortly before the Lakers game against Milwaukee: “Place a big bet on Milwaukee today,” wrote the former guard and added: “Bet enough so that Djones also gets a big chunk!!!”
Background: James, who had surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time scoring leader two days earlier, was resting due to pain in his left ankle. Without their franchise player, the Lakers lost to the Bucks 106:115 – a perfect scenario for insider betting.
This is Behind the Connection to LeBron
Jones acted as an unofficial, unpaid part of the then Lakers staff under Darvin Ham that season. The contact resulted from joint offseason workouts with James in the summer of 2022.
According to sources, the four-time champion had no idea about the betting activities of his former teammate and assistant coach. Under the new head coach JJ Redick, Jones no longer has a role in Los Angeles.
This is What Jones is Accused Of
The federal prosecution also charges Jones with passing confidential information again in the current season – this time before the Lakers game at the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2024. Details about the content and consequences of this information leak are still pending.
When asked, the front office of the Californians only stated that they generally do not comment on ongoing proceedings. How serious the allegations ultimately are must now be clarified by a federal court.
One thing is certain: The NBA once again finds itself confronted with a scandal that raises questions about the integrity of the game – and that even drags the biggest name in the league into the headlines.