The NBA is facing one of its biggest off-court controversies in years after a federal indictment revealed that former player and assistant coach Damon Jones allegedly leaked confidential injury information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports gamblers.
According to court filings unsealed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Jones is among six individuals charged in connection with “Operation Nothing But Bet,” a sweeping FBI investigation targeting illegal sports betting schemes involving insider information.
Federal prosecutors claim Jones shared nonpublic details about the Lakers’ star duo — including injury updates and playing status — with conspirators who allegedly used that information to place high-stakes bets on NBA games.
The indictment accuses the group of defrauding betting companies by taking advantage of insider access that regular bettors didn’t have. If proven true, it would mark one of the most serious gambling-related scandals the league has seen in years.
Neither LeBron James nor Anthony Davis has been accused of wrongdoing, but both were reportedly unaware their private medical information was being leaked for profit.
The NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers have declined to issue official statements but are said to be fully cooperating with federal investigators.
Damon Jones, who enjoyed a lengthy career as both a player and coach, now faces potential prison time and a permanent ban from all NBA activities if convicted.
This latest scandal raises renewed concerns about the growing influence of sports betting in professional basketball — and how closely tied insiders might be to gambling operations.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is still active, meaning more individuals could be charged as “Operation Nothing But Bet” continues to unfold.
