Introduction to the Incident
Lakers star Luka Doncic donated $5,000 Tuesday to fund the restoration of a vandalized downtown Los Angeles mural depicting team legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
The mural, titled “Mambas Forever,” is on the side of a building at the corner of 14th and Main streets. The mural by artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino, was one of the first created following the 2020 death of Bryant and Gianna in a Calabasas helicopter crash.
More on the Murals
MORE: Photos of the murals honoring the memory of Kobe Bryant and Gianna
The vandalism apparently occurred over the weekend, with graffiti covering much of the artwork.
Palsino created a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising $5,000 to restore the mural, writing that he was “eager to bring it back to its original glory.”
The Donation
On Tuesday morning, Doncic donated the full $5,000 to the page.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic brings the ball up the court during the first half of Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
“Kobe is L.A.,” Doncic said in a statement released by the Luka Doncic Foundation. “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.”
Restoration Efforts
It was unclear how long the restoration effort would take. Palsino wrote on the GoFundMe page that all donations would go “directly towards the materials needed for the restoration process, including high-quality paints, sealants and other essential supplies.”
“The Kobe & Gigi mural holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing strength, legacy, and love,” Palsino wrote. “By contributing to this cause, you are helping preserve a piece of art that continues to uplift and inspire our community.”
Kobe Bryant won five NBA championships and played his entire career with the Lakers.
Investigation and Support
Police have not identified any suspects in the vandalism.
The GoFundMe page is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-the-iconic-kobe-gigi-mural.
Conclusion
The act of vandalism on the Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural has been met with swift support from the community, notably from Lakers star Luka Doncic. The donation to restore the mural underscores the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant and the impact he and his daughter have on the city of Los Angeles and the Lakers organization. As the community comes together to restore this piece of art, it serves as a reminder of the power of unity and remembrance.
FAQs
- Q: Who donated $5,000 to restore the vandalized Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural?
A: Lakers star Luka Doncic donated $5,000 to restore the mural. - Q: Where is the mural located?
A: The mural, titled “Mambas Forever,” is on the side of a building at the corner of 14th and Main streets in downtown Los Angeles. - Q: How can I support the restoration of the mural?
A: You can support the restoration by donating to the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-the-iconic-kobe-gigi-mural. - Q: Who created the mural?
A: The mural was created by artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino.
Originally Published: April 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM PDT
