LOS ANGELES, CA – Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones faces federal charges for allegedly sharing confidential player health information with sports gamblers in a case federal authorities dubbed “Operation Nothing But Bet.”
Jones was named in an indictment Thursday, charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly selling insider injury information about Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
According to court documents, Jones provided advance notice of player injuries to gambling conspirators who placed bets before the information became public, giving them an illegal advantage in sports betting markets.
On February 9, 2023, the night the Lakers played the Milwaukee Bucks, Jones allegedly texted a conspirator: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out!” LeBron James sat out the game due to a sore left ankle and foot. The Bucks won the contest. Court documents do not specify how much Jones received for this tip.
In a second incident on January 15, 2024, Jones allegedly sold information about an injured Lakers player to conspirators hours before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A $100,000 bet was placed before the injury was publicly listed on official team reports.
Anthony Davis was the only Lakers player marked “probable” that day. Despite the injury tip, Davis played well and the Lakers won the game. Jones received $2,500 through a mobile payment app for providing the confidential injury information, according to federal prosecutors.
The charges highlight growing concerns about insider information in sports betting, particularly as legalized gambling expands across the United States. Federal authorities have increased scrutiny of potential leaks involving player health data and team strategy.
Jones spent 11 seasons in the NBA as a player and later worked as an assistant coach for several teams. His access to insider information through professional basketball connections allegedly enabled him to profit from confidential player health data.
The case represents part of a broader federal investigation into illegal sports gambling operations. Prosecutors continue examining whether additional individuals connected to professional sports teams may have shared insider information with gambling networks.
Jones was arrested Thursday. His court appearance date has not been scheduled, and it remains unclear whether he has retained legal counsel to represent him in the federal case.
The charges carry potential prison sentences and substantial fines if Jones is convicted of the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy counts.
