Luka Dončić Pays to Restore Vandalized Kobe and Gigi Bryant Mural in L.A.
Luka Dončić is showing Los Angeles that he's all in—on and off the court.
The Lakers’ newly acquired star donated $5,000 on Tuesday to cover the full cost of restoring a beloved mural of Kobe and Gigi Bryant that was recently vandalized in downtown L.A. The piece, titled Mambas Forever, sits at the corner of 14th and Main streets and was created by artist Louie Palsino, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to repair the damage.
“It was always important to give back to the community,” Dončić said after practice at the Lakers’ training complex. “They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.”
The Slovenian superstar joined the legendary team less than three months ago in a high-profile trade with the Dallas Mavericks. Teaming up with LeBron James, he helped lead the Lakers to a Pacific Division title and a No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, the franchise now faces a win-or-go-home Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night.
Still, despite the mounting pressure of the postseason, Dončić made time to ensure the mural’s preservation—an act that’s resonating deeply with Lakers fans.
Bryant, who spent his entire 20-season career with the Lakers, remains one of the most revered figures in franchise history. The five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star is still the Lakers' all-time leading scorer.
Following the tragic deaths of Kobe and Gigi, over 600 murals and public tributes appeared throughout Southern California.
This isn’t the first time a Kobe tribute has been targeted, but Dončić’s gesture stands out as a heartfelt show of respect from one Laker to another.
