DALLAS, Texas — On the eve of Luka Dončić’s return to Dallas as a Los Angeles Laker, fans are channeling grief and frustration into bold public expression—including a new mural unveiled in the Cedars neighborhood directly criticizing Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison.

The mural, painted at 2635 S. Harwood St. in Dallas, was a collaboration between muralist Juan Velazquez, Armando Aguirre, and longtime Mavericks fan Chris Taylor, whose viral “Fire Nico” hat has become a symbol of fan discontent since the trade of Luka Dončić.

“I had this dream about doing this Nico mural,” Velazquez said. “I seen this video of this guy with this ‘Fire Nico’ hat…I immediately messaged him, and I said we need to paint this.”

“I didn’t want to paint Nico’s face–because if we did that it would be like he did something good when he didn’t.” 

“Of course I was in,” he said. “I have been a voice for a lot of fans and the leader of this so-called revolution—why not this hat?”

Velazquez said the inspiration came from recent tensions between fans and the Maverick’s management. 

“They started kicking fans out, and I don’t think a lot of people agree with the censorship they were enforcing,” he said. “I wanted to do something they couldn’t stop me from doing, which is painting a mural.”

The mural’s release comes as Maverick’s leadership reportedly eased fan self-expression restrictions. Anti-trade apparel, including anti-Nico Harrison shirts and hats, is currently allowed at the arena as long as it is not obscene or disruptive.

Fan Jake Reedy, who’s been selling T-shirts with Harrison’s face on them, wearing a red clown nose in anticipation of Wednesday night’s game, said the merchandise gives fans a chance to be heard. 

“It’s the fans’ way of showing their anger against the front office,” Reedy said. “I want the fans to freely express themselves, so to the people who bought the shirts, please wear them.”

Of the 500 shirts printed, only about 60 remain.

While emotions are running high, fans are aware of the boundaries. Disruptive behavior or chanting indecencies at the game can still lead to removal from the arena. You can see more of the rules here. 

Still, Taylor says the focus should remain on Dončić. 

“I’m very interested in seeing what’s going to happen tomorrow night,” he said. “Let tomorrow be about Luka and how much these fans love him.”