At that time, Jones was a volunteer member of the Lakers' coaching staff at the behest of former head coach Darvin Ham. Before that particular game, Jones reportedly texted one of his co-conspirators to place a bet on the Bucks because LeBron James would not be playing that night, although he was available.

Jones is a former basketball player who played 11 seasons in the NBA. The 6-4 combo guard went undrafted out of Houston in 1997 after a four-year career with the Cougars and began his playing career with the International Basketball Association's Black Hills Posse in 1997.