The NBA’s ongoing gambling scandal has entered a critical phase, as league officials have formally requested cell phones and records from employees of several franchises, notably the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat.

This escalation follows the October arrests of Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Heat guard Terry Rozier, and ex-coach Damon Jones, each charged with roles in alleged game-fixing and rigged high-stakes poker schemes involving organized crime.

Heightened Congressional interest led the NBA to retain the prestigious law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Their mandate: ensure independent oversight as the investigation pursues leads on illicit sports betting and the suspected leaking of sensitive injury information.​

Lakers Among Teams Under Investigation

As news broke of the league’s latest requests, at least 10 Lakers employees were reportedly asked to turn over phones and relevant data.

Two long-standing members of LeBron James’s inner circle — trainer Mike Mancias and executive Randy Mims — have already complied, according to sources, as the team works to demonstrate transparency and cooperation.

Neither employee has been charged, and investigators stress that no Lakers player names have surfaced in U.S. Department of Justice indictments to date. However, prosecutors suggest information related to superstar injury status, particularly of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, may have influenced illegal wagers on Lakers games as recently as 2023 and 2024.​

Widespread Impact and Looming Rule Changes

Games involving the Lakers, Blazers, Hornets, and Raptors have been cited in the growing scandal, as authorities allege sophisticated, coordinated efforts to gain advantage through privileged information.

The NBA’s strict move to demand digital evidence underscores concern over the integrity of league competition amid mounting pressure from lawmakers.

Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, maintains that the league has fully cooperated with federal authorities since the suspicious betting patterns initially surfaced and has promised “substantial changes” in injury reporting protocols to prevent future abuse.

As this sweeping inquiry accelerates, it has placed the spotlight squarely on league officials, franchises, and the ever-expanding intersection of sports and betting interests.