Breaking News: NBA reportedly requests cell phones from team employees, including more than 10 on Lakers, in gambling investigation…see more

Jones played with James for three years on the Cavaliers, helped coached him during James’ second stint in Cleveland and continued their relationship as an unofficial assistant coach for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.

He has pled not guilty to charges. The NBA has reportedly requested documents and cell phones from at least 10 Lakers employees. Two of them are members of James’ inner circle on the team: assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, who have complied with the requests.

However, there is a section in the indictment in which Jones allegedly claimed that the trainer for a pair of Lakers players, identified as “Player 3” (aka James) and “Player 4,” informed him that one of those players, “Player 4,” was injured. During his career, George has had a history of injuries, causing him to miss significant time on the court.

In the previous six seasons, George has played more than 56 games just one time — his last year with the Clippers. Whether it was load management or injury, George has not been the most reliable player over the past several years.

Philadelphia brought George in during the 2024 offseason, and he was supposed to be the second mate of Joel Embiid to help get the team over the hump in the postseason.

The 76ers have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs since Embiid entered the NBA. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract in July of 2024.