Nearly six months after pleading not guilty, former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is poised to become the first defendant to plead guilty in a sweeping federal gambling investigation that has shaken fan confidence in the league.
A change of plea hearing for Jones in the sports betting case is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court, according to a court filing Thursday. Prosecutors have until the end of next week to file statements on the exact charges he will plead guilty to.
In short, things are about to heat up. His attorney confirmed the change but emphasized that Jones is not cooperating with authorities. Which is a strange admission.
Jones initially pleaded not guilty in November 2025 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges in connection with an alleged scheme to provide sports bettors with non-public injury and availability information on NBA stars – specifically LeBron James and Anthony Davis – while he had privileged access to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–23 season.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is expected to become the first person to plead guilty in a gambling scandal that led to the arrest of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball personalities. https://t.co/Z2zY5QCuZm
– ESPN (@espn) 16 April 2026
Interestingly, Jones’ change in plea comes just months after the league launched an independent investigation in which officials requested cell phones and documents from multiple teams. Among those receiving the request were Lakers employees Mike Mancias (LeBron James’ longtime assistant coach) and Randy Mims (executive administrator and another James associate), who voluntarily surrendered their phones and records.
It is important to note that James is not believed to be involved in any way. Mancias and Mims were reportedly under investigation for their relationship with Jones.
Jones allegedly sent a text message to a co-conspirator before the Lakers-Bucks game in Milwaukee on February 9, 2023. At the time, James was not yet listed on the official injury report.
“Bet big on Milwaukee tonight before info comes out,” he reportedly wrote.
James ultimately exited the contest with a lower body injury and the Lakers lost 115–106.
Jones is also alleged to have been paid $2,500 for a tip on Davis in January 2024, which suggests the Lakers star will have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury. The lead was denied, Davis played normal minutes and was effective enough to lead Los Angeles to a 112–105 win. The sports bettor who paid Jones for the tip and then placed a $100,000 bet on the Lakers was not happy.
From LeBron’s trusted shooting partner to federal guilty plea: The shocking fall of Damon Jones
According to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Jones and James’ history stretches back to the mid-2000s. They were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. After Jones’ playing career ended, the two maintained an on-and-off friendship. Jones later worked informally as a shooting consultant for James, including during the Cavs’ 2016 championship run under Tyronn Lue.
That bond gave Jones unusual access after years with the Lakers. The fact that he would betray a team that trusted him and befriended LeBron to sell insider betting tips is astonishing.
James and Jones had already fallen out of touch by the time charges were filed following an alleged altercation.
Jones faces a separate but related indictment involving alleged participation in a Mafia-linked, rigged poker game that defrauded high-rollers out of millions. Yes, that is correct. The mafia reportedly had a hold on NBA players. He also pleaded not guilty to those charges in November.
The sweeping investigation, which led to more than 30 arrests, has also ensnared people like Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
Jones’ expected guilty plea marks a significant development in the case. He would be the first person to plead guilty in this high-profile gambling scandal, potentially opening the door to sentencing negotiations for other players mentioned.
#LeBrons #exteammate #Damon #Jones #set #plead #guilty #selling #insider #gambling #tip
