Former NBA player and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Damon Jones plans to plead guilty to federal charges related to a sports gambling investigation, according to court documents filed in Brooklyn federal court. Jones, 49, is expected to develop into the first person to enter a guilty plea in the case during a hearing scheduled for April 28, 2026.
The hearing was originally set for May 6 but was moved up after both parties requested the change, according to a filing reviewed by The Associated Press. Jones faces two federal counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money, stemming from allegations he used his position with the Lakers to obtain and sell non-public information about player injuries to sports gamblers.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Latest York charged Jones last October in connection with a broader investigation into sports betting operations. Court records show he is accused of sharing insider details, including the game status of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with individuals placing wagers on NBA games.
Specifically, investigators allege Jones texted an unnamed co-conspirator on the morning of the Lakers’ February 9, 2023 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, advising a large bet on the Bucks as a player matching James’ description would not play — despite James not having publicly been ruled out at that time. Jones is also accused of providing health information on another Lakers player ahead of a January game.
Jones initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in November 2025 during arraignment proceedings in Brooklyn federal court. At that time, his court-appointed attorney entered the plea on his behalf after Jones confirmed he understood the allegations and release conditions, which included a $200,000 bond secured by his mother and stepfather’s Texas home.
A lawyer for Jones confirmed to the court during those proceedings that negotiations for a plea agreement were underway. The upcoming hearing on April 28 will mark the formal change of plea if accepted by the judge.
Jones is one of six defendants charged in the case. Another individual facing charges from the same indictment is former Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier, though Rozier’s legal status has not been publicly updated in recent filings.
The investigation, which led to the arrest of more than 30 individuals including alleged organized crime figures and other basketball-associated people, represents one of the largest federal sports gambling probes in recent years. Authorities allege the network exploited connections to NBA teams to gain competitive advantages in betting markets.
Jones played professionally in the NBA from 2000 to 2008, suiting up for teams including the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was a teammate of LeBron James during the 2004-05 season. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as a player development consultant and assistant coach for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season — the period referenced in the allegations.
The Lakers organization has not issued a public statement regarding Jones’ impending plea change. The team referred inquiries to the league office when asked about the case during the 2025-26 season.
NBA officials have previously emphasized the league’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the game, citing ongoing collaboration with law enforcement on gambling-related investigations. The sport has seen increased scrutiny around sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that paved the way for legalized wagering in numerous states.
If the court accepts Jones’ guilty plea, sentencing will be scheduled for a later date. Federal sentencing guidelines for wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies can carry significant penalties, though final determinations depend on factors including acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with authorities.
The April 28 hearing in Brooklyn will be closely monitored as a potential indicator of how other defendants in the case may proceed. Legal observers note that an early guilty plea by a cooperating defendant often influences plea negotiations among remaining charged individuals.
For continued updates on this developing legal matter and its implications for sports integrity, readers are encouraged to follow official court announcements and verified news sources.
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