NBA Betting Scandal: Damon Jones Arrested for Leaking Privileged LeBron James Injury Info to Bettors

Published on October 25, 2025 – 10:45 EDT
By Bria – Echobroad

In a stunning development rocking the NBA, former player Damon Jones has been arrested for allegedly disclosing confidential injury details about LeBron James to enable illegal sports betting. The 11-year NBA veteran, who served in an unofficial capacity with the Los Angeles Lakers, is among 34 individuals charged in a sprawling federal probe that also ensnared Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. This high-profile case, spanning multiple states and involving tens of millions in wagers, underscores the growing threats to sports integrity amid legalized betting's boom. LeBron James, the focal point of the leaks, faces no accusations, with sources close to him emphasizing his unawareness and non-involvement.

LeBron James during the 2023 Lakers vs. Bucks game, where his absence due to injury was allegedly leaked for betting gains. Photograph: Getty Images

The Arrest and Broader Investigation: A Web of Illicit Bets and Rigged Games

Federal authorities announced Jones' arrest on Thursday, October 24, 2025, as part of a yearslong investigation led by the FBI. FBI Director Kash Patel detailed two interconnected schemes: one centered on illegal sports betting and another involving Mafia-tied rigged poker games. The probe, which netted arrests across nearly a dozen states, highlights how insider information can fuel underground gambling operations, potentially undermining fair play in professional sports.

Jones, 49, who played for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside James from 2005-2008, joined the Lakers' orbit in 2022. Invited by then-coach Darvin Ham, he participated in team activities unofficially and unpaid, gaining access to sensitive player health updates. Under current Lakers coach JJ Redick, Jones is no longer affiliated with the team.

The indictment alleges Jones exploited this access to tip off co-conspirators. In one damning instance, before the Lakers' February 9, 2023, matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, Jones texted a betting associate: "Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight" because James would sit out. He followed up with, "Bet enough so Djones can eat [too] now!!!" James, fresh off surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer on February 7, missed three consecutive games due to left ankle soreness. Without him, the Bucks triumphed 115-106, validating the alleged tip.

A second leak occurred ahead of the Lakers' January 15, 2024, game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Jones again shared non-public injury intel. These actions, prosecutors claim, facilitated illicit bets worth potentially millions, violating federal wire fraud and gambling laws.

"This case exposes the vulnerabilities in sports when insiders prioritize personal gain over integrity."
— FBI Director Kash Patel, during the announcement

The Lakers declined comment when contacted by ESPN, but a source close to James told the network that the four-time NBA champion was oblivious to Jones' activities. "LeBron was unaware that Jones... was involved in gambling activity," the source stated, emphasizing James' focus on his offseason workouts where Jones was present.

Key Figures Implicated: From Coaches to Players

Jones isn't the only NBA name in the crosshairs. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, a five-time All-Star and 2004 NBA Finals MVP, was arrested in connection to the betting ring. Billups, who has led the Blazers since 2021, faces charges tied to facilitating or participating in illegal wagers. Similarly, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, known for his stints with the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, was nabbed in the sweep.

The investigation's scope is vast, with Patel noting "tens of millions of dollars" in illicit activity. While details on Billups and Rozier's specific roles remain sealed, their involvement amplifies the scandal's impact, potentially leading to NBA suspensions or bans under the league's strict gambling policies.

Brian Windhorst, ESPN's senior NBA writer, provided context on The Rich Eisen Show, discussing Billups' arrest and the broader implications. "This is a wake-up call for the league," Windhorst said in a 1:58 clip, highlighting how privileged info can erode trust in the game.

LeBron James' Role: Victim, Not Villain

At the scandal's center is LeBron James, the Lakers' superstar whose health status became betting fodder. James, 40, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Sources insist he invited Jones into his circle based on their shared Cavaliers history—where Jones served as a player (2005-2008) and later assistant coach (2014-2019)—without knowledge of illicit motives.

This isn't James' first brush with controversy, but it underscores the pressures on elite athletes. His 2022-23 season was marked by milestones, like breaking the scoring record, but also injuries that sidelined him at critical junctures. The leaked info allegedly profited bettors, raising questions about how teams safeguard player data in an era where sports betting is legal in 38 states and generates over $100 billion annually.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has navigated gambling's expansion since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, is expected to address the scandal soon. The league's integrity program, partnering with Genius Sports and Sportradar, monitors betting anomalies, but insider leaks pose unique challenges.

Implications for the NBA: Integrity at Stake

This bust arrives amid heightened scrutiny of sports betting. The NBA has embraced partnerships with DraftKings and FanDuel, but scandals like this—echoing the 2007 Tim Donaghy referee rigging case—threaten public confidence. Bettors gaining "privileged injury info" could skew odds, as seen in the Bucks-Lakers game where Milwaukee was favored but saw line movements post-leak.

For the Lakers, the revelations cast a shadow over Darvin Ham's tenure (2022-2024), though Ham faces no charges. Under Redick, the team is rebuilding, with James entering his 23rd season amid extension talks. The scandal may prompt tighter controls on team affiliates, potentially requiring background checks for unofficial personnel.

Legal experts predict Jones could face up to 20 years if convicted on wire fraud counts, though cooperation might yield leniency. The Mafia-linked poker angle adds intrigue, suggesting organized crime's infiltration into sports gambling.

Fan and Expert Reactions: Shockwaves Through the League

The NBA community is reeling. On X, #NBABettingScandal trended, with fans decrying "insider corruption" and calling for stricter rules. Former player Kendrick Perkins tweeted: "This hurts the game we love. Protect the integrity at all costs!" while analyst Skip Bayless lambasted: "LeBron's circle needs vetting—betting scandals can't touch the GOAT."

Windhorst's insights fueled discussions, with Eisen pressing on Billups' future: "Could this cost him his job?" The Blazers, already rebuilding post-Damian Lillard, face PR nightmares, while the Heat monitor Rozier's status amid playoff aspirations.

Looking Ahead: Reforms and Resolutions

As the case unfolds, expect NBA probes, possible suspensions, and policy overhauls. Silver's office has vowed "zero tolerance" for gambling violations, potentially expanding bans to affiliates like Jones.

For LeBron, this is a distraction in a legacy-cementing season. His focus remains on chasing a fifth ring, but the scandal reminds us: even kings aren't immune to court intrigue.

Stay tuned for court updates, league responses, and more on this unfolding NBA drama. For those searching "Damon Jones LeBron injury leak," "NBA betting arrests 2025," or "Chauncey Billups scandal," this story is just tipping off.

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Sources: ESPN, FBI announcements, and NBA insider reports.