On Tuesday, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić made headlines with a generous and heartfelt act: donating $5,000 toward the restoration of a beloved mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The mural, located in downtown Los Angeles at the corner of 14th and Main streets, had been vandalized with black and white paint, damaging an image that had become a symbol of love, legacy, and loss in the city.
The mural depicts a touching moment between Kobe and Gianna—known affectionately as “Gigi”—as he gently kisses her on the cheek while she holds a basketball. The artwork had become a cultural landmark since its creation in the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash in January 2020 that claimed the lives of Kobe, Gianna, and seven others. Painted on the side of a building in the heart of Los Angeles, the mural served as both a memorial and an inspiration to fans, families, and aspiring athletes.
The recent defacement of the mural sparked outrage among Angelenos and basketball fans around the world. In response, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise money for its restoration, drawing donations from hundreds of supporters. Among the list of donors was a notable name: Luka Dončić, the 25-year-old Slovenian star who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade and has since become one of the team’s brightest talents.
Dončić’s foundation later confirmed the $5,000 contribution and released a statement from the player himself.
The donation is more than a financial gesture—it’s a reflection of the emotional connection many current players feel to Kobe Bryant, who spent all 20 years of his NBA career with the Lakers. Over those two decades, Bryant became a global icon, known not just for his five NBA championships and MVP honors but also for his intense work ethic, competitive spirit, and deep love for his family.
After his retirement, Bryant focused much of his time on coaching Gianna’s basketball team and nurturing her budding talent. The image portrayed in the mural—of a father and daughter sharing a bond through the sport they loved—captures that passion and connection, making its vandalism all the more painful for fans who see it as a symbol of something greater than basketball.
In the wake of the vandalism, local artists and volunteers have come forward offering to assist with the mural’s repair. The GoFundMe campaign quickly gained traction, with donations pouring in from around the world. Dončić’s high-profile contribution has only amplified the visibility of the restoration effort, energizing supporters and reminding the city of the shared legacy Kobe left behind.
Since his arrival in Los Angeles, Dončić has embraced his role not just as a player, but as a steward of the Lakers’ storied history. His tribute to Bryant is in line with the culture of respect and reverence that permeates the franchise. Dončić, who grew up idolizing Bryant and once played against him early in his career, has often cited Kobe as one of his inspirations.
“Luka’s donation meant a lot to us and shows that the spirit of the Lakers—of honoring those who came before—is alive and well,” said muralist Jonas Never, one of the original artists behind the piece. “This mural isn’t just paint on a wall. It’s a piece of our city’s soul.”
As the restoration work begins, the community is coming together to ensure that the mural not only returns to its original beauty but also stands stronger than ever as a testament to resilience and remembrance. Plans are already in motion to add protective coatings and potentially install surveillance in the area to prevent future acts of vandalism.
For many in Los Angeles, the return of the mural will be more than just the repair of a damaged artwork—it will be a healing moment and a reminder of the enduring power of unity, memory, and love.
Thanks to Dončić’s timely support and the community’s collective determination, the mural of Kobe and Gianna will once again shine brightly in the heart of the city they loved.
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