Luke Doncic donates $5K for Kobe, Gianna Bryant mural restoration

A mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in downtown Los Angeles has been vandalized over the weekend. 

Lakers star Luka Doncic has donated $5,000 for the restoration of the “Mambas Forever” mural Tuesday. The graffiti is covering most of the mural. 

It is located on the side of a building at the corner of 14th and Main streets in downtown L.A. “Mambas Forever” was created by artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino. The mural was one of the first pieces of art created after the death of Bryant and Gianna in a 2020 Calabasas helicopter crash.

A GoFundMe page was created by Palsino in the hopes of raising $5,000 for restoration. Palsino wrote he was “eager to bring it back to its original glory” on the fundraising page. He explained the money would be used for materials needed for the restoration process, like high-quality paints, sealants, and other essential supplies.

Doncic’s donation was made directly to the GoFundMe page. 

"Kobe is L.A.," Doncic said through a representative to the L.A. Times. "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."

It’s unclear how long the restoration would take. 

"The Kobe & Gigi mural holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing strength, legacy, and love," Palsino wrote on the fundraising page. "By contributing to this cause, you are helping preserve a piece of art that continues to uplift and inspire our community."

The mural was initially created in collaboration with the NFL for Superbowl LVI. 

Police have not identified a suspect in the vandalism.

Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers. The GoFundMe page is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-the-iconic-kobe-gigi-mural.