LOS ANGELES (AP) A former business manager who embezzled more than $1.5 million from longtime NBA player Mark Jackson pleaded guilty Monday to one count of wire fraud.

Bruce J. Breger, entered the plea in U.S. District Court.

The 41-year-old Breger was charged with two counts of wire fraud in connection with the theft from Jackson, a 16-year NBA veteran now playing for the Houston Rockets.

Breger was originally hired by Jackson in 1993 to manage the player's financial affairs. Breger was able to embezzle the funds by fraudulently transferring money from Jackson's bank account to bank accounts he controlled, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Breger allegedly used the money for his own purposes, including frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 19 by U.S. District Court judge Percy Anderson.

Breger faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and will have to pay restitution to Jackson.