Ja Morant's lawyers claim he was acting in self-defense when he punched Joshua Holloway during a game at Morant's house in July 2022.

Morant's lawyers have acknowledged he punched Holloway one time after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant and the ball hit Morant in the chin.

Morant's lawyers said he should be immune from liability under the state's "stand your ground" law, which allows people who feel threatened at their homes to act with force in certain situations.

Holloway was 17 when the lawsuit was filed. It accuses Morant and friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. An amended complaint identified the plaintiff as Holloway, who is now 18.

Morant filed a countersuit accusing Holloway of slander, battery and assault.

No criminal charges have been filed against Morant.

The NBA suspended Morant for 25 games when the upcoming season starts after a second video of him flashing a handgun was posted online.