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Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones reportedly plans to change his plea to guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering stemming from two separate illegal gambling cases.
ABC News reported that Jones requested a change of plea hearing after initially pleading not guilty in November.
Jones’ attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, told the outlet that Jones is “not cooperating.”
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LeBron James talks with former Cavaliers teammate Damon Jones during an off-day 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 reportedly told a relative that a “prominent” Los Angeles Lakers player, widely believed to be LeBron James, would not play on February 9, 2023, before the information became public. Jones was an assistant with the team at the time.
James did not play in the game due to an ankle injury. The game in question took place two days after James scored 38 points to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Jones also allegedly gave apparent inside information about another “one of the Lakers’ best players” 11 months later, believed to be Anthony Davisregarding an injury likely to affect his performance. It ultimately backfired because the player “played well” and the Lakers won, according to authorities.
Sketch of former NBA player Damon Jones (left) with his attorney Kenneth Montgomery before Judge Ramon Reyes in federal court in New York on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Jones pleads not guilty to gambling charges. (Jeanne Rosenberg) (Jane Rosenberg/Unknown)
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Jones also allegedly participated in and benefited from rigged poker games by being used as a face card, with Chauncey Billupsto encourage victims to play with celebrities.
In response to being coached on how to cheat, Jones responded, “Lol man, y’all call Djones cause y’all know I know what I’m doing!!” according to the Department of Justice.
Jones is one of three people charged in the two gambling cases.
Although he went undrafted out of Houston in 1997, Jones played 11 seasons in the NBA. The definition of a journeyman, Jones played for 10 teams and earned over $20 million during his career. Throughout his tenure, he was teammates with A-list stars, including James, during his three-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. He also spent a season with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal with the Miami Heat.
(Background) The J. Edgar Hoover Building, which houses the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is shown in Washington, DC, May 28, 2025. (Left) Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups calls a play during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, February 20, 2025. (Middle) Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2), dribbles the basketball against the Chicagoans. Bulls during the third quarter at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on March 8, 2025. (Right) Damon Jones (19) of the Cleveland Cavaliers is in action against the Boston Celtics in Cleveland, Ohio on November 27, 2007. (STR/NurPhoto/Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images/Sam Navarro/Imagn Images/Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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He moved into coaching after 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 for the 2022-23 season.
