NBA Investigates Lakers Amid Gambling Concerns
Full Transcript
The NBA is investigating illegal sports betting practices, and the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams involved. According to CBS Sports, the league has requested multiple teams to hand over cell phones and other documents as part of this investigation.
This follows a scandal that erupted after the arrest of several individuals, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, tied to rigged poker games and illegal betting operations.
An NBA spokesperson stated that the league has engaged an independent law firm to look into these allegations. They emphasized that many individuals have cooperated fully with the investigation. In particular, Congress is scrutinizing the league's response to suspicious betting patterns concerning Rozier during a March 2023 game.
Despite these concerns, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the league found no evidence of wrongdoing at that time. However, the ongoing investigations have prompted the NBA to act more decisively.
At least ten Lakers employees are expected to surrender their phones and records for review. This includes Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, both of whom have already complied with requests for their phones.
Notably, neither Mancias nor Mims has been charged with any crime. The investigation has also drawn attention to former player and coach Damon Jones, who allegedly sold information about the injury status of Lakers players, particularly LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Reports clarify that James had no prior knowledge of Jones's actions. Following Jones's arrest, he pleaded not guilty to charges and was released on a bond that prohibits him from gambling. In light of these events, the NBA is reassessing its gambling policies and considering changes to how teams report player injury statuses, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the league and its players.
This situation raises significant concerns about the Lakers' operations and public image as the investigation unfolds.