The NBA is seeking cell phones, among other property, from multiple teams — including the Lakers — as the league continues its investigation into illegal sports gambling, The Athletic reported Saturday.
The move from the league comes following pressure from Congress after the Department of Justice brought charges in late October against Heat guard Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player and coach Damon Jones as part of two sprawling cases — one that involves allegations of illegal sports betting and another dealing with allegedly rigged poker games that had mafia ties.
In response to Congress, the NBA insisted that it is taking the charges seriously.
The league has contacted teams for cell phone access through the help of outside law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
Investigators from the firms are expected to target Lakers players, as Jones, a former teammate and close confidant with LeBron James, had special access to the team, per The Athletic.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James #23, arguing with the ref in the 2nd half against the Knicks on February 3, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
According to The Athletic, Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims — both of whom have close ties to James — have already cooperated and handed over their cell phones to the firm.
Former NBA player Damon Jones arrives at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse following his arraignment hearing on illegal gambling schemes, in Brooklyn, New York City, November 6, 2025. REUTERS
“The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public,” an NBA spokesman said to The Athletic in a statement. “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.”
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Mims, 50, has remained close with the 21-time All-Star since his high school days, and Mancias, 48, has been James’ trainer for over two decades.
James, Mims and Mancias have not been named in the two federal indictments, nor have they been accused of any crimes.
Jones, who is accused of selling injury information to gamblers on two Lakers players at least two different times, pleaded not guilty during an appearance at Brooklyn Federal Court earlier this month.
He was named in both federal indictments.
