Officially confirmed, the league is thoroughly investigating the Lakers, and James’ team is lying on the gun, but the 23-year miracle is expected to continue

As Chauncey Billups’ gambling scandal continues to heat up and ferment, this figure who once won the FMVP award has now been tightly shrouded in the spotlight of public opinion and has become the core target of criticism and attention from all parties. Without these turbulent off-field disturbances, Yang Hansen's career may be like a colorful picture, showing a completely different and exciting scene. As for when Billups will return to the team and take charge of the coaching staff again, it is still a mystery, and there is no definite news yet. But what is certain is that the league will never adopt a conciliatory attitude towards this serious incident, and will definitely deal with it seriously to maintain the fairness and justice of the competition.

Going back to the end of October, along with Billups, Heat player Rozier and former Lakers informal assistant Damon Jones were also investigated and punished in this incident. Rozier tried to manipulate the direction of the game through the despicable method of faking injuries in order to seek unfair benefits. In response to such loopholes in rules, the NBA office will definitely deal with it with a serious attitude. Not only that, it will also conduct a meticulous and strict review of the injury details reported by players.

As for Damon Jones, his influence cannot be underestimated and his involvement is extremely wide. It seems that the entire Lakers team is unable to survive this crisis alone. It is worth mentioning that LeBron James and Damon Jones involved in the case have a deep relationship. The two played side by side with the Cavaliers for three seasons. When James returned to the Cavaliers, Jones also served as an assistant coach. In the 2022-2023 season, he joined the Lakers as an informal assistant coach. In addition, affected by the Jones incident, two core confidants in James' team, personal trainer Mancias and administrative director Mims, were also asked to cooperate with relevant investigations.

Such a result is actually reasonable and understandable. As a superstar in the league, it is often easier for people around him to obtain information about the management and the team's next deployment. Once this information is mastered by someone with ulterior motives, it becomes easy to use it for gambling activities to win money. So far, the league has asked at least 10 Lakers employees to provide relevant information such as mobile phones and documents. However, James, Mancias and Mims have not been charged and are not directly named in any federal charging documents. It can be seen that James acts more steadily and cautiously.

However, in the face of adverse rumors off the court, the Lakers performed extremely well on the court. During the past five consecutive away games, Luka led his team to a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, and he even scored 40+ points in a single game many times. At the same time, No. 1 center Ayton, signed for 16 million in 2 years, has been completely activated by Luka. He has contributed 20+ data in 4 consecutive games, and has completely transformed from a softie to the team's inside giant. Such a huge contrast is still a bit uncomfortable, but their outstanding performance can allow James to prepare for his comeback plan more easily and methodically.

Lakers team reporter Dave McMenamin reported that James conducted his first five-on-five training in the G League in nearly six months. The more important news is that he participated in the entire training and conducted five-on-five confrontation training. While moving quickly, there was no sign of persistent pain in his lower back or right side. If he continues this progress, he may be able to participate in team practice when the Lakers return from their fifth consecutive road trip on Sunday. Once the 40-year-old veteran takes the field, he will become the only player in league history to have played 23 seasons.