There are two FBI investigations that uncovered gambling fraud and illegal poker schemes, leading to the arrest of an NBA player and coach. Even star LeBron James has been mentioned, although not as a formal part of the investigation.
James' absence from a Los Angeles Lakers game was one of the insider tips shared with gamblers involved in one of the schemes.
Damon Jones, a former player and assistant coach for NBA teams, was one of those arrested on Thursday. He was mentioned in a conversation with gamblers after an intercepted call indicated that an athlete listed as "Player 3" would not be in the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2023. Jones, who was also mentioned in a conversation with gamblers after an intercepted call, indicated that an athlete listed as "Player 3" would not be in the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2023. He also indicated that he would bet on the Milwaukee team. James ultimately did not play in that game due to soreness in his left ankle, and the Lakers lost 115-106.
Jones was an informal, unpaid assistant to Darvin Ham's coaching staff with the Lakers. Jones and LeBron were also teammates and worked together in different positions with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The investigation has no evidence that LeBron was part of the scheme or guilty.
Damon Jones, a former player with a 15-year career and experience at major NBA franchises, was one of more than 30 people arrested Thursday in Operations "Royal Flush" and "Nothing But a Bet."
Also arrested were Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
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