Damon Jones Accused of Sharing Insider Details on LeBron James Skipping 2023 Lakers Game The Athletic Reports
Damon Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers player, is under investigation for allegedly sharing insider information regarding LeBron James and other Los Angeles Lakers players. The accusations arise shortly after James achieved a remarkable milestone on February 7, 2023, by becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Insider Information and Allegations
On February 9, 2023, the Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks, a game that LeBron James missed due to ankle soreness. Reports indicate that Jones shared non-public insights about James’ status with gamblers just days after he set the scoring record. According to the indictment, Jones aimed to profit from sharing inside information about players who were not listed on the injury report, including James.
Key Events and Dates
- February 7, 2023: LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.
- February 9, 2023: Lakers vs. Bucks game, which James did not participate in.
- January 15, 2024: Another incident where Jones allegedly provided insider details about another Lakers player’s injury.
Involvement of Co-conspirators
Jones reportedly collaborated with associates like Eric Earnest and Marves Fairley, who sought to place bets based on the non-public information. Fairley, for instance, placed a $100,000 bet against the Lakers for the January 15 game, where a player was listed as probable despite his injury status potentially being more severe. When the Lakers won the game, Fairley demanded a refund of $2,500 from Jones for the insider information he had received.
Background on Damon Jones
While Jones was not formally associated with the Lakers’ coaching staff during the 2022-23 season, he worked closely with LeBron James in pregame workouts and had access to critical facilities, including locker rooms and travel accommodations. His long history with James dates back to their time together on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008.
Lakers’ Response and Future Implications
The Lakers organization has chosen not to comment on the matter. Given the seriousness of the allegations, this investigation raises significant questions about the integrity of sports betting and insider information sharing within the league.
With the ongoing investigation, the implications could be profound for all parties involved. It highlights the risks associated with insider trading in sports and the importance of maintaining transparency in player conduct.
