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Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones reportedly plans to change his plea to guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering that arose from two separate illegal gambling cases.
ABC News reported that Jones requested a change of plea hearing after originally 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 free practice before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 6, 2017. (Carlos Ávila González/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images)
Jones allegedly told someone close to him that a “prominent” Los Angeles Lakers player, widely speculated to be LeBron James, would not be playing on Feb. 9, 2023, before the information became public. Jones was an assistant for 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, which is speculated to be Anthony Davisabout an injury that would likely affect his performance. That ultimately backfired because the player “performed well” and the Lakers won, according to officials.
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, Nov. 6, 2025. Jones is pleading not guilty to gambling charges. (Jane Rosenberg) (Jane Rosenberg/Unknown)
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Jones is also alleged to have participated in and profited from rigged poker games, using it as a “face card,” along with Chauncey Billupsto lure victims into playing with celebrities.
In response to being taught how to cheat, Jones responded, “Lol, call Djones because you know I know what I’m doing!” according to the Department of Justice.
Jones is one of three people charged in both gambling cases.
Despite going 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 more than $20 million in his career. Throughout his time, he was teammates with prominent stars, including James, during his three-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. He also spent one season with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal with the Miami Heat.
(Background) The J. Edgar Hoover Building, home of the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters, is shown in Washington, DC, on 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, on February 20, 2025. (Center) Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) dribbles the basketball against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at 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 became a coach 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 and unpaid member of the coaching staff for the 2022-23 season.
