LeBron James Blindsided by Ex-Teammate in NBA Gambling Scandal
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was unaware his name would surface in the NBA’s latest gambling scandal after his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate and close friend Damon Jones was arrested Thursday in a federal betting investigation that also led to the arrests of
The Athletic reported that Jones allegedly used non-public information about James in connection with illegal gambling activities. According to the report, Jones tipped off a “co-conspirator” that James would sit out a February 2023 game for the Lakers against the
Jones was not employed by the Lakers or any
In the same report, James was cleared of any wrongdoing.
“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.
NBA Releases Statement on Gambling Investigation
The NBA issued an official statement Thursday night acknowledging the federal indictments and confirming that Billups and Rozier had been placed on immediate leave.
“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,”
The league said it will continue monitoring the federal case as it unfolds.
Jones Accused of Leaking Private Lakers Injury Information
According to USA Today, Jones is also accused of sharing confidential player-health information about another Lakers game — a Jan. 15, 2024 matchup against the
Court documents allege Jones told a bettor that a “Player 4,” described as one of the Lakers’ top performers, was dealing with an injury and would play limited minutes. That player matches the description of
Prosecutors said Jones received a $2,500 payment through a peer-to-peer mobile app for the information. A co-defendant, Marves Fairley, allegedly wagered $100,000 on the Lakers to lose. The plan failed — Davis played 35 minutes, scored 27 points with 15 rebounds, and the Lakers won.
Connection Between Jones and James Dates Back Years
GettyDamon Jones and LeBron James before an NBA Playoff game.
Jones, 49, and James were teammates with the Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, forming part of the 2007 squad that advanced to the NBA Finals. James later supported Jones’ transition into coaching, helping him secure an assistant-coaching position with Cleveland from 2016 to 2018.
Jones has not held an NBA coaching job since 2018 but is known to maintain relationships with several current and former players.
Broader Gambling Investigation Expands
Jones, Billups, and Rozier were each taken into custody for alleged involvement in the same betting network. Federal prosecutors said the investigation is connected to a wider gambling probe that earlier this year led former
The allegations against Jones represent a further test for the NBA’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of its games amid the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in the United States.
Jones has not commented publicly on the charges. The Lakers and James’ representatives have declined to comment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Warriors’ Stephen Curry Fires Early Warning to NBA Rivals
An impressive overtime victory saw the Golden State Warriors overcome a tough Denver Nuggets roster on Thursday, Oct. 23. Steve Kerr’s team is now 2-0 to start the season.
During his postgame news conference,
“I mean, there’s 80 games left, so you kind of understand you don’t get too ahead of yourself,” Curry said. “But building blocks on an understanding of how to win, the selflessness of a team that can have eight or nine guys in a closing lineup, realistically. I was telling somebody I don’t think that closing lineup, Al, Jimmy, Draymond, JK, and myself had got any real rips in training camp.”
Curry continued.
“When you understand who you’re playing against and what it takes to win this particular game, collective IQ and just toughness got us over the hump. So, great start. Haven’t done anything yet. But we’re building a winning mentality.”
Steph Curry: “We’re building a winning mentality.” 💯
The Warriors have constructed a veteran rotation that is full of experience and championship know-how. Mike Dunleavy has also ensured there’s a decent sprinkling of young and emerging talent, too, as the Warriors looked to find the right balance.
Curry And Butler Still Competing At The Line
After the Warriors secured an opening-night win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmy Butler revealed that he and Draymond Green had made a bet. The stipulation is that Butler will end the season with a higher free-throw percentage than Curry. Yet, against the Nuggets, Butler went 7-of-8 at the charity stripe, while Curry was 8-for-8.
“I can neither confirm nor deny anything that’s going on with the free-throw situation this year,” Curry joked after the game.
Regardless of whether Butler or Green wins the bet, the added internal compeition should drive the Warriors to continue being aggressive in drawing shooting fouls. And, throughout the season, that could be a wrinkle that ends up paying dividends.
Warriors Can Be Contenders This Season
Golden State’s winning start to the season will likely be encouraging for the fanbase. The Warriors are viewed as a potential candidate to challenge for the
We saw those credentials as Kerr’s team found another gear in overtime against the Nuggets. The Warriors have so much experience throughout their roster, so they understand how to navigate difficult situations on the court.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob did a great job of pinpointing and acquiring talent this summer. Al Horford already looks like a shrewd addition to the rotation, and Will Richard
Golden State has shooting, interior scoring and a reliable pressure-based defense. The foundations for success are in place. If the franchise can begin building championship habits early in the season, they should emerge as one of the better teams in the league before too long, and that should be a scary prospect for other rosters with hopes of competing for a championship this season.
