Luka Dončić Funds Restoration of Vandalized Kobe and Gigi Bryant Mural
Honoring the legacy of the late Lakers legend.
Luka Dončić has covered the full cost to restore a vandalized mural of Kobe and Gigi Bryant in downtown Los Angeles. The mural, titled “Mambas Forever,” depicts the late Lakers legend in his iconic uniform, holding his daughter, Gianna, in a warm embrace.
On Monday, the Instagram account @kobemural shared videos of the damage, directing fans to a GoFundMe campaign started by Louie “Sloe” Motion, the artist behind the mural. By Tuesday, the donation goal was reached, thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers guard’s $5,000 donation,
“I’m proud he is a Laker now and representing Los Angeles and I know Kobe is proud,” Motion told the Los Angeles Times. “I’m sure this alone will have him in the hearts of everyone in Los Angeles. Representing us the right way, a great hooper [and] soul.”
While Byrant retired two years before Dončić’s NBA debut in 2018, the two shared a touching courtside moment in 2019, when Bryant surprised Dončić by speaking to him in Slovenian. Though brief, the exchange left a lasting impression on the ex-Mavericks star and fans alike.
“Kobe is L.A,” Dončić expressed. “He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally. I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.”
