LeBron James’ businessman says he’s already betting on NBA games

Maverick Carter, the manager and business partner of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, admitted to federal investigators that he bet on NBA games through illegal bookmakers. According to information released by the Washington Post at the last Fifth Expo, Carter said there were about 20 bets on football and basketball games in a year, worth between $1,000 and $5,000.

The newspaper reviewed federal documents and reported that Carter said he would not be named a Lakers punter. The businessman made the admission during a trial in November 2021, which was investigated by betting agent Wayne Nix, after which he admitted his role in the management of an offshore sports betting network. accusations. Spokespeople for Carter and LeBron confirmed the existence of the interview to The Washington Post. Furthermore, he said there was “nothing to see” in the bets made by merchants and players.

— Maverick Carter was interviewed only once by federal authorities in connection with his investigation into Wayne Nix in 2021, before 38 states legalized sports betting in the District of Columbia. Adam Mendelsohn said in a press release that Mr. Carter was not involved in the investigation, cooperated with it, was never charged, and was never informed of the incident.

The NBA prohibits players, team managers and officials from betting on championship games. Business managers are not included, but the National Basketball Players Association also includes business owners in the field. American sports leagues have fought against legalizing gambling games for years, but a 2018 Supreme Court ruling lifted restrictions outside Nevada and several states have since allowed gambling.

Carter, 42, and LeBron are childhood friends who met in Akron, Ohio. Currently, they are co-owners of a media company and minority owners of the Boston Red Sox and Premier League club Liverpool FC.