Luka Dončić Donates $5,000 to Restore Vandalized Kobe Bryant Mural

EL SEGUNDO, California — Luka Dončić has paid the full expected cost to restore a mural honoring Kobe and Gianna Bryant in downtown Los Angeles. The Lakers‘ new guard donated $5,000 on Tuesday to fund a GoFundMe initiative started by artist Louie Palsino, who painted the piece titled ‘Mambas Forever’ at 14th and Main streets.

‘It was always important to give back to the community,’ Dončić said following practice at the Lakers’ training facility. ‘They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.’

Palsino expressed his gratitude in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, saying, ‘Thank you to Luka. I’m proud he is a Laker now and representing Los Angeles. I know Kobe is proud.’

Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks less than three months ago, contributed to the team’s success in reaching the Pacific Division title and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, the team is currently on the verge of elimination with a 3-1 series deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who visit for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, winning five championships and becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Following the tragic death of Bryant and his daughter Gigi in a helicopter crash in January 2020, memorial murals and art projects honoring them have appeared across Southern California.

Dončić’s donation is the latest contribution to community efforts after a series of recent disasters. He previously donated $500,000 to relief efforts following devastating fires that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year.

‘Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally,’ Dončić said through a representative. ‘I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.’