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NBA Requests Team Phones as Illegal Gambling Probe Widens

Outside counsel is collecting devices under congressional pressure after federal indictments alleged insider-information leaks to bettors.

Overview

  • The NBA retained Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to gather cell phones, phone records and documents from multiple franchises as part of its investigation.
  • The Lakers are a focal point, with roughly 10 or more employees contacted, and assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims have voluntarily turned over their phones.
  • Former player and coach Damon Jones has pleaded not guilty after prosecutors alleged he sold nonpublic injury information about two Lakers stars, including a tip before a Feb. 9, 2023 game.
  • Federal cases also include Miami’s Terry Rozier and Portland’s Chauncey Billups, with allegations spanning illegal betting and a separate rigged poker scheme tied to organized crime.
  • House and Senate committees have demanded briefings, and the league is evaluating stricter injury-reporting rules and other integrity safeguards while stressing that cooperation does not imply wrongdoing.