An investigation into performance-enhancing drugs has brought NBA superstar LeBron James into the spotlight, as associates of his are reportedly directly linked to the scandal.

NBA icon LeBron James has been cited in a federal investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.

Unredacted federal documents from the 2023 Biogenesis investigation include the name of the Los Angeles Lakers star. It is important to clarify that these documents do not accuse or insinuate that James himself has used prohibited substances. However, his long-time friend and business manager, Ernest Mims, along with trainer David Alexander, have come under suspicion.

Alexander was also identified as the personal trainer based in Miami for Savannah James, the wife of the four-time NBA champion.

The documents state that the DEA alleges that Mims obtained controlled substances for personal use and had no intention of supplying them to others. Nevertheless, according to ESPN, he was not charged with any crime, and federal authorities did not interview him as part of the case.

Representatives of James informed ESPN that he had no prior knowledge of his inclusion, his wife’s inclusion, or that of any of his associates in the investigation until he was approached by the sports broadcaster last year. While James has not been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, this type of publicity is the last thing he needs as he prepares for his 21st NBA season.

Following a 4-0 defeat to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals last season, the 38-year-old is determined to improve upon that result in the upcoming year. As the 19-time All-Star sets his sights on another championship in 2024, he has committed to representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics next summer.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer did not participate in the gold medal-winning American squads in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 or Tokyo in 2021. According to The Athletic, James has been in touch with other star players in the league, including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Draymond Green, and Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, to encourage them to join him in representing the nation.

This development comes on the heels of another underwhelming performance at the FIBA World Cup, where Team USA failed to secure a medal. Germany defeated them in the semi-finals, and their disappointing run concluded with a 127-118 loss to Canada in the bronze medal match.

Although early signs were not promising, particularly with a loss to Lithuania in the group stage, it did not impact their qualification for the knockout rounds. This marked only the seventh instance in 38 appearances at the Olympic or World Cup level where the American team left empty-handed.

“The United States hasn’t won the World Cup since 2014,” said US coach Steve Kerr. “It’s challenging. The teams in FIBA are highly skilled, well-coached, cohesive, and have played together for an extended period. This is a difficult task, and it has already proven to be.”