The NBA is now digging deeper into a federal gambling investigation that has already led to multiple arrests, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. According to Sports Illustrated, the league has requested data and documentation from several teams as part of its internal response to the case.
In October, federal agents arrested Billups, Rozier, and several others in an alleged connection with what authorities describe as a wide-ranging illegal gambling scheme. Billups has been allegedly charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His arraignment is scheduled for November 24 in New York. Billups has denied all wrongdoing.
“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others,” said Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, in a public statement, as reported by Fox Sports.
The NBA has hired the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to assist in its investigation, according to The Athletic. This is the same law firm that has handled previous high-profile internal investigations across different industries. Their role is to examine the allegations listed in the federal indictment and determine whether any violations occurred that could affect league rules or integrity policies.
As part of the league’s investigation, the NBA has reportedly asked several individuals and organizations to preserve documents, text messages, and other records that may be relevant. According to league officials, all parties have been fully cooperative so far.
As illegal gambling accusations continue to swirl around professional sports, the NBA is now asking multiple teams to submit cell phones, among other property and documents, as part of the league’s investigation. https://t.co/IMUhy4ZluW
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) November 16, 2025
Two names gaining attention in the media are Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims — both known to be close to LeBron James. According to reports, they have voluntarily turned over their cell phone data to investigators. Neither man has been charged or accused of any crime, and no formal connection to the gambling case has been established.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that “an independent law firm” is working to investigate the matter. “As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative,” the spokesperson said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has called the situation “deeply disturbing,” and made clear that the league takes the allegations seriously. While he has not commented on the specifics of the case, Silver has previously spoken about the importance of maintaining public trust in the integrity of the game, especially in a time when legal sports betting has become more common across the U.S.
The investigation comes at a time when professional sports leagues are facing new challenges around gambling, especially with growing partnerships between teams and betting companies. While sports betting has been legalized in many states, the leagues have emphasized that players, coaches, and staff must follow strict internal rules to prevent any appearance of corruption or unfair play.
In an expansion of their sports betting investigation, the NBA has requested multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, to hand over cell phone records. It comes after federal indictments involved a player and two coaches. @OliviaRubinABC reports. https://t.co/rG5ygT2hrJ pic.twitter.com/m0gepV4jxH
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) November 17, 2025
The next major development in the case will likely come when Billups appears in court later this month. Federal officials have not yet released full details of the alleged scheme or who else may be involved. Until then, the NBA’s legal team continues its own review, and fans are left waiting to see how far the investigation will reach.
