'Fire Nico' Harrison chants break out seconds into Luka Doncic return vs. Mavericks

Since the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, fans voiced their frustration. Chants of “Fire Nico” have been heard across town at different events, and that was the case Wednesday as Doncic made his return to American Airlines Center.

It took 20 seconds for fans to chant “Fire Nico” toward Nico Harrison, the Mavericks general manager who made the deal with the Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis. They did so again during free throws by LeBron James shortly thereafter and continued throughout the first quarter.

Doncic was a fan favorite in Dallas, and he was visibly emotional during a tribute video ahead of his introduction Wednesday night. The Mavericks faithful continued to make its stance clear about the blockbuster trade, and Doncic’s return to Dallas presented another opportunity to do so as he returned to the court on which he dominated for six full seasons.

“Fire Nico” chants start less than a minute into the game pic.twitter.com/8EyoNVNY0V

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 9, 2025

Wednesday’s game will mark the second time Doncic will take on the Mavericks since the huge trade, but the first time he’ll do so in Dallas. The anticipation continues to build for the game, and it could be quite emotional for Doncic. That said, he’s excited to see some of his former teammates, but expects it to be an “emotional” night.

“I don’t really know what to expect,” Doncic said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I don’t know how I’m going to feel, honestly. I’m looking forward to being back in Dallas, obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates – ex-teammates. It’s going to be very emotional for me, for sure.”

Nico Harrison said Anthony Davis was the key piece of the landmark trade, which sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a league-altering move. Max Christie was also part of the return for the Mavericks while the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks to help facilitate the move.

Mavericks fans have made their frustrations clear with Harrison and the franchise after sending Doncic to Los Angeles. That’s part of the reason there’s so much buzz about Wednesday’s matchup, which comes as the regular season enters its final stretch. The Lakers enter the game as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference while the Mavericks sit at the No. 10 seed, three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the final Play-In Tournament spot.