NBA News: Clippers Forward Laughs Off Hype Surrounding Luka Doncic's New Self-Proclaimed Bodyguard

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is no stranger to getting his share of bumps and bruises in the NBA.

However, the acquisition of James Johnson should throw caution to the wind and a strong message to anyone who dares to mess with the Slovenian star.

Johnson was acquired in a three-team trade that saw Dallas send Delon Wright to the Detroit Pistons and Justin Jackson to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported.

The deal was meant to toughen up the defense of the Mavs, but some viewed it differently.

Most pointed out how the 6-foot-7 forward is also a second-degree black belt and how he is undefeated in mixed martial arts with a 7-0 slate and in kickboxing with a 20-0 record. Those earned Johnson the right to be called Luka Doncic’s bodyguard.

It did not take long for Marcus Morris to respond to that social media post. He commented with a simple “lol yea yea yea.”

Most will recall the events that occurred in Game 6 of the Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers playoff series. Morris was criticized for his rough antics on Doncic, getting a flagrant foul two in the process.

Morris ended up getting fined $35,000 for "recklessly striking" Doncic above the shoulders, ESPN reported.

With bad blood in the air, Mavericks fans are lauding the acquisition of Johnson not only for the defensive things he brings to Dallas.

Now, most are eager to see how things will turn out once Johnson and Morris cross paths this 2020-21 NBA season.

But as far as basketball is concerned, the Cheyenne, Wyoming native is expected to beef up the defensive unit of the Mavericks.

With the offensive end handled by Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, Johnson is expected to anchor the defensive side of the fence.

As for Morris, he is set to spend the next couple of years with the Clippers. The 6-foot-8 forward inked a four-year deal worth $64 million with the Steve Ballmer-owned franchise, ESPN reported.