Lakers' Luka Doncic Gifts $5K to Restore Vandalized Kobe, Gigi Bryant Mural

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić gifted $5,000 to a fundraiser created to restore a vandalized mural featuring late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his second-eldest daughter, Gigi.

“Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally,” Doncic said Tuesday via a representative to Joseph Serna and Nathan Solis of the Los Angeles Times. “I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.”

Per TMZ Sports, the mural was covered in white paint and graffiti in an apparent dispute between street artists.

The fundraiser was organized on March 17 by Louie Palsino, who also goes by Sloe Motions. The original goal was to raise $5,000. The GoFundMe description reads as follows.

"I am reaching out to the community to help restore the beautiful Kobe & Gigi mural that has brought inspiration and unity to so many. This mural was a special collaboration with NFL for Superbowl LVI. Over time, the mural has faced wear and tear, and I am eager to bring it back to its original glory. Your generous donations will 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. By contributing to this cause, you are helping preserve a piece of art that continues to uplift and inspire our community.

"Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated. Let’s come together to keep this tribute shining bright for years to come.

"Thank you for your support!"

TMZ Sports broke news of the original vandalism on Tuesday.

Per Tony Kurzweil of KTLA, video was captured on Tuesday showing the graffiti. He added it was "unclear exactly when the mural was vandalized or who was responsible."

Shortly after news broke on the matter, Dončić donated to the fundraiser. He spoke about why he chose to help restore the mural, which is located on a building at 14th Street and Main Street.

Kobe and Gigi Bryant were two of nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in January 2020. Since then, many tributes have appeared in honor of the Bryants. Per kobemural.com, a total of 651 murals are dedicated to them, with 345 in Southern California, 121 elsewhere in the United States and 185 internationally spread out over 45 countries.