LeBron James, Lakers
Getty
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James sits on the bench.
Two key members of LeBron James’ inner circle within the Los Angeles Lakers organization are cooperating with the NBA’s gambling investigation by voluntarily handing over their cell phones, according to The Athletic.
Assistant athletic trainer Mike Mancias and longtime executive administrator Randy Mims were among the Lakers personnel contacted by investigators. Both immediately agreed to cooperate, the report said.
LeBron James, Randy Mims, Lakers
Getty Randy Mims (L) and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers laugh as they attend a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons.
Mancias has worked with James as a personal trainer and performance coach for more than two decades. Mims, meanwhile, has spent nearly 30 years as one of James’ closest confidantes and served as a senior liaison across James’ extensive business ventures, according to an ESPN feature in January in which Damon Jones calls Mims “the orchestrator.”
Damon Jones Arrest Sparks NBA, DOJ Investigations
The internal league investigation was triggered by federal charges against Jones, James’ former teammate and former personal shooting coach.
Jones, 49, was arrested last month during a sweeping Department of Justice probe into an illegal betting ring. The same investigation also led to charges against Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, according to court documents unsealed by federal prosecutors.
The DOJ alleges that Jones provided non-public injury information about Lakers players — including James and Anthony Davis — in exchange for money from gamblers.
Federal Indictment Shows Jones Shared Injury Tip Before Bucks Game
LeBron James, Damon Jones, Lakers
Getty Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Damon Jones.
The indictment reviewed by Heavy Sports describes a series of incidents in which Jones allegedly leaked inside information about Lakers players’ availability.
One of the most significant allegations involves a February 9, 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Hours before tipoff, Jones allegedly texted a co-conspirator, urging them to place a large wager on Milwaukee after learning privately that James would miss the game.
The indictment includes a verbatim message from Jones: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out! [Player 3] is out tonight. Bet enough so Djones can eat too now!!!”
Prosecutors say “Player 3” refers to James. At the time of the text, James had not yet appeared on the NBA’s injury report. He ultimately sat out the game with a lower-body injury, and the Lakers lost 115–106.
According to prosecutors, Jones gained such access by functioning as an unofficial member of the Lakers’ coaching staff under then-head coach Darvin Ham. He was not formally employed by the organization but was often present around the team.
Jones Also Accused of Selling Inside Information on Anthony Davis
The indictment also alleges that Jones shared non-public injury information about another Lakers star — identified as “Player 4,” whose circumstances match Anthony Davis — ahead of a January 15, 2024 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to prosecutors, Jones told bettors Davis was injured and would play limited minutes. Davis — listed as “probable” — ended up playing 35 minutes and delivered a dominant 27-point, 15-rebound performance in a Lakers victory.
Federal documents state that Jones received a $2,500 payment for the tip. A co-defendant reportedly wagered $100,000 on the Lakers to lose, and when the bet failed, Jones insisted he had relayed “credible non-public information.”
NBA Says Investigation Is Active; LeBron Not Accused of Wrongdoing
The NBA issued a statement confirming the investigation and the request for personnel to preserve documents.
“As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative,” a league spokesman told The Athletic.
According to the report, LeBron James, Mancias and Mims have not been charged, nor have they been named in any federal filing.
The federal case against Jones is ongoing, and the NBA’s internal review is expected to expand as prosecutors continue to unearth communication records, betting activity and potential information leaks across the league.