NBA expands gambling probe, requests Lakers’ phones

The NBA’s investigation into illegal gambling is widening, and multiple teams — including the Lakers — have been asked to turn over documents and devices, according to Joe Vardon, Mike Vorkunov and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The probe, pushed forward after pressure from Congress, stems from last month’s federal charges involving Heat guard Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player Damon Jones, who once served as LeBron James’ shooting coach and had access to inside information while working around the Lakers.

The league has hired Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to run the investigation.

According to The Athletic, the law firm has been asking teams for access to cell phones and communications. Two Lakers employees — assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims — have already turned over their phones voluntarily.

Both are longtime members of James’ inner circle, which is why their connections to Jones are expected to be explored further.

A league spokesperson said the investigation began as soon as the federal indictment became public.

“Everyone has been fully cooperative,” the NBA told The Athletic.

Neither James, Mancias nor Mims have been accused of wrongdoing. But Jones is alleged to have twice sold private injury information involving Lakers players to gamblers — including a February 9, 2023 game vs. Milwaukee in which “Player 3” was ruled out early in the day. LeBron did not play that night.

A similar incident is alleged before a January 15, 2024 matchup with Oklahoma City.

Per The Athletic, at least two executives from teams named in the indictment have been notified that the league’s inquiry is expanding.

The federal case also references a “regularly starting player” with the Magic who allegedly tipped off a bettor about Orlando sitting starters for an April 2023 game against Cleveland. That player is no longer with the team, and a league source told The Athletic that Magic officials haven’t been contacted by the DOJ.

The government also claims a “coach” matching Billups’ description provided inside information that led to illegal bets placed against Portland, though Billups has only been charged with taking part in illegal poker games.

League sources tell The Athletic the NBA is preparing stricter player-status reporting rules as it works to close the loopholes exposed by the case.