Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has stepped up to preserve a cherished piece of the city’s basketball legacy. On April 29, 2025, Doncic donated $5,000 to restore a vandalized mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant in downtown Los Angeles. The artwork, located at 14th and Main streets, was defaced with graffiti, sparking a community effort to bring it back to life.
The mural, titled “Mambas Forever,” was created in 2020 by artist Louie “Sloe” Motions to honor Kobe and Gigi after their tragic deaths in a helicopter crash. It shows Kobe in his Lakers uniform, holding Gigi with a basketball, a heartfelt tribute to their bond and legacy. When vandals recently damaged the mural, the artist launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 for restoration supplies, including protective paint to prevent future harm. Doncic’s foundation quickly stepped in, covering the entire cost in a single donation.
“I’m happy to do anything to help make sure Kobe and Gigi are honored,”
Doncic said.
“They mean so much to this city, the Lakers, and to me personally.”
His generosity ensures the mural will be restored, keeping it a symbol of love and remembrance for fans.
Doncic has a special bond with Kobe. Kobe introduced Doncic to Gigi in December 2019 prior to a game against the Mavericks involving Dallas and the Lakers. Kobe caught Doncic by surprise speaking Slovenian to him, a memory that has stayed with Doncic to date. Doncic was a favorite among fans of Gigi, and Kobe mentored the player in his early days in the NBA. Kobe would have been overjoyed to see Doncic join the organization, a move that did occur earlier in 2025 through a trade of epic proportions.
The artist, Louie “Sloe” Motions, expressed gratitude on Instagram, saying,
“Thank you, Luka, for representing Los Angeles the right way. I know Kobe is proud.”
The restored mural will stand as a testament to the city’s resilience and the enduring impact of the Bryant family.
This isn’t Doncic’s first act of giving back since joining the Lakers. Earlier in 2025, he donated $500,000 to support fire relief efforts in Los Angeles, showing his commitment to the community. Now, by funding the mural’s restoration, he’s cementing his place in the hearts of Lakers fans and honoring two of the franchise’s most beloved figures.
