Damon Jones and LeBron James have reportedly been friends since their time playing for the Cavaliers together in the mid-2000s.

At that time, Jones was a volunteer member of the Lakers' coaching staff at the behest of former head coach Darvin Ham. Before that particular game, Jones reportedly texted one of his co-conspirators to place a bet on the Bucks because LeBron James would not be playing that night, although he was available.

Former Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones allegedly received $2,500 for insider information that backfired during a 2024 Lakers game involving close friend LeBron James.

Reports suggest that Damon Jones used his friendship with LeBron James to inform others to bet on a Lakers-Bucks game in 2023.

Federal prosecutors indicted Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups on Thursday, accusing him of participating in illegal gambling schemes. Billups, 49, faces charges of money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy in connection with an alleged rigged poker game from 2019.

The NBA's illegal gambling saga took a turn on Thursday, as the FBI arrested multiple people involved in its investigation into sports betting. This investigation has been hanging over the league's head since early 2025,