Damon Jones, a former NBA player and close associate of LeBron James, has been indicted for allegedly sharing confidential injury information about James with gamblers during the 2022–23 season, according to federal court documents.
Jones, who had limited access to the Los Angeles Lakers that year to work privately with James, is accused of passing along insider details to bettors about player availability in exchange for money.
The case centers on the February 9, 2023, game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which James missed due to ankle soreness – just two days after becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
A league source told The Athletic that James was unaware Jones had shared information about his status. Though not employed by the Lakers, Jones had access to team facilities, flights, and hotels while training James.
The indictment alleges Jones tried to profit from non-public information with co-conspirators Eric Earnest and Marves Fairley, even texting a bettor before the Bucks game that a player would sit out, encouraging them to bet against Los Angeles.
In another incident before a January 15, 2024, game, Jones allegedly sold injury details about another Lakers player, leading to a $100,000 losing wager by Fairley.
Jones, who played with James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008, has not commented publicly. The Lakers also declined to comment when contacted by The Athletic, while the FBI investigation remains ongoing.
LeBron James Unaware Of Damon Jones' Alleged Gambling Scheme https://t.co/PaaXgOvK08
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