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A tense stretch hit the NBA after federal agents arrested several high-profile figures tied to illegal sports betting. New details prompted league officials to widen their own investigation and request devices from employees across multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
Good to Know
The Athletic reported that the NBA asked teams to provide phones and materials tied to an ongoing review of betting activity. The request arrived soon after the league learned that the Department of Justice and FBI had already carried out arrests involving Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland head coach Chauncey Billups.
League officials briefed committees in both chambers of Congress and pledged to take the situation seriously. As part of that process, the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz reached out to franchises to gather devices and communication records. Sources said at least 10 Lakers staff members were asked to provide their phones.
Two longtime employees, assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, voluntarily handed over their phones. Both work in roles connected closely to LeBron James, although neither James, Mims, nor Mancias were charged or listed directly by federal investigators.
The increased scrutiny followed federal charges against Damon Jones, a friend of James and a former assistant coach. Authorities say he shared inside info on player availability at least twice.
According to the indictment reported by The Athletic, federal prosecutors say Jones learned on the morning of February 9, 2023, that “Player 3” was unavailable for a game against the Milwaukee Bucks despite no mention on the official injury list. He then relayed that information to an associate and encouraged a “big bet” on Milwaukee. Los Angeles lost that matchup 115–106, with James sitting out.
Authorities also describe a second situation nearly a year later. On January 15, 2024, Jones allegedly told a bettor that “Player 4” was hurt and unlikely to perform at full strength in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prosecutors say Jones learned that from the trainer who handled “Player 3.”
Even with the tip, James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, DAngelo Russell, and Taurean Prince all played in the 112–105 Lakers win.
The Lakers are not alone in the inquiry. The Athletic reported that the Orlando Magic also received a request for device records. A “regularly starting player” allegedly told a bettor that the team aimed to sit starters in an April 2023 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers to improve draft positioning. The player is no longer with the franchise.
Names of possible candidates include Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, or Bol Bol, though none have been confirmed. Authorities have not identified the unnamed player.
Meanwhile, the Rozier case resurfaced after he was placed on unpaid leave. The league had previously reviewed concerns about his performance but said no internal evidence supported discipline at the time. Federal investigators later alleged he intentionally limited his output to benefit bettors wagering on his unders.
Investigators want communication records after arrests revealed sharing of confidential player information.
No. James, Mike Mancias, and Randy Mims were not charged or named by federal investigators.
A former assistant coach and friend of James who is charged with selling inside information to bettors.
The Orlando Magic were also asked to provide materials linked to a separate tip-sharing situation.
Federal arrests tied to illegal sports betting prompted the league to widen its own internal investigation.