The Los Angeles Lakers don’t know how many more seasons they’ll get from superstar forward LeBron James, but the organization is hopeful that pairing him with Luka Doncic will put the franchise in a position to claim another NBA title before he decides to retire and his jersey goes in the rafters.
However, the Lakers and James always come with off-the-court distractions that have nothing to do with winning a title, and this year seems to be no different. On Thursday, Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones were all arrested for their roles in illegal gambling activities.
Shockingly, LeBron has found himself tied into the controversy through Jones, who is an alleged friend of his from their days playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to one major NBA social media reporting outlet.
“LeBron James was reportedly the player Damon Jones used inside info about before a Feb. 2023 Bucks–Lakers game, per (The Athletic). Jones allegedly told others to bet on Milwaukee after learning LeBron would sit out with ankle soreness — before it was on the injury report,” reported NBACentral Thursday morning.
Fans reacted to the shocking development on social media.
“The day after the NCAA legalized players betting on pro sports, the most celebrated NBA player this century is reportedly involved in an FBI investigation on gambling,” one person wrote on Twitter.
“Compromising the integrity of the game by purposely affecting the outcome should absolutely carry a serious punishment. Being a coach and telling your buddies LeBron isn’t playing so that they can get a betting edge? Not sure I have a huge problem with this,” someone else added.
“Klutch Sports about to handle this man even quicker than the mafia would,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if LeBron addresses the reporting publicly.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.