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Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is reportedly planning to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering stemming from two separate illegal gambling cases.
ABC News reported that Jones requested a hearing after pleading not guilty in November.
Jones’ attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, told reporters that Jones is “not cooperating.”
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LeBron James chats with Cavaliers teammate Damon Jones during practice before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 6, 2017. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images)
Jones allegedly told someone close to him that the Los Angeles Lakers’ “prominent” player, widely believed to be LeBron James, would not play on Feb. 9, 2023, before the information becomes public. Jones was the team’s assistant at the time.
James did not play in the game due to an ankle injury. The game in question happened two days after James scored 38 points to become the NBA’s leading scorer.
Jones is also said to have leaked insider information about “one of the Lakers’ best players” 11 months later, supposedly Anthony Davisabout injuries that may affect his performance. That ended up being a good thing because the player “did a good job,” and the Lakers won, according to officials.
A photo of former NBA player Damon Jones (left) and his attorney Kenneth Montgomery stand before Judge Ramon Reyes in federal court in New York on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Jones has pleaded not guilty to gambling charges. (Jane Rosenberg) (Jane Rosenberg/Anonymous)
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Jones allegedly participated in, and benefited from, fraudulent poker games, used as a “face card,” and Chauncey Billupsto attract victims to play with celebrities.
In response to being coached on how to cheat, Jones replied, “Lol man y’all call Djones in cause you’all know I know what I’m doing!!” according to the Department of Justice.
Jones is one of three people to be indicted on both gambling charges.
Although he was not drafted by Houston in 1997, Jones played 11 seasons in the NBA. The description of the journey, Jones played for 10 teams and made more than $20 million in his career. During his entire tenure, he teamed up with some of the best stars, including James, during his three-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. He also spent the season with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal with the Miami Heat.
(Back) IJ. The Edgar Hoover Building, home of the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is shown in Washington, DC, on May 28, 2025. (Left) Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups calls the game during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center in Portland, 025, Heb Miat, Feb. Terry Rozier (2) drives the basketball against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, March 8, 2025. (Right) Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones (19) is on the line against the Boston Celtics in Cleveland, Ohio, on Nov. 27, 2007. (STR/NurPhoto/Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images/Sam Navarro/Imagn Images/Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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He became a coach following his playing career, winning a title with James and the Cavs in 2016 as an assistant. Jones joined the Lakers, James’ current team, as an unofficial, unpaid member of the coaching staff through the 2022-23 season.
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