PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Maverick Carter, long-time friend and business manager to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, is in some serious trouble over an admission he made in 2021.

Carter is LeBron James’ manager and longtime business partner. He reportedly made the admission during a 2021 investigation into illegal bookie Wayne Nix. The Washington Post reportedly confirmed the details of Carter’s gambling activity through a review of federal law enforcement records.

Wayne Nix is a former Minor League baseball player who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business and filing a false tax return in 2022.

Carter said in his 2021 interview with federal agents that he placed approximately 20 bets on football and basketball, ranging from $5000 to $10,000 per wager, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Adam Mendelsohn, longtime media spokesperson for James and Carter, said in a statement to The Post that “Mr. Carter was not the target of the investigation, cooperated, was never charged, and never contacted again on the matter.”

At the time, he stated to law enforcement that he did not remember making any bets on the Lakers, and he denied making bets for others.

Carter is not forbidden from betting on sports, but players, team officials, and referees are prohibited from betting on sports, and the NBPA includes agents in that rule as well, but Carter is a business manager.

Nix’s operation allegedly ran for over two decades and included a number of high-profile clients, including Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen as well as former Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig, who is currently scheduled for trial in January after he pleaded not guilty to lying to law enforcement about sports bets he allegedly made with Nix.