LeBron James' Mural Vandalism Video Released

Scott Polacek @@ScottPolacekFeatured ColumnistJuly 12, 2018

A mural of LeBron James in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey is viewed in Venice, California on July 9, 2018. - It was originally revealed July 6, 2018, and then vandalized over the weekend, and re-touched up again with the word 'of' not repainted from the original words 'the King of LA'. Artists Jonas Never and Menso One painted the mural to welcome LeBron James to Los Angeles, outside the Baby Blues BBQ resturant in Venice, California. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

Video of a mural depicting LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers was vandalized, and video footage of the incident has been released.

Robert Kovacik of NBC Los Angeles shared the footage Wednesday, noting the video came from a surveillance camera from Baby Blues BBQ. The vandal can be seen throwing paint all over where James' face was painted.

Robert Kovacik @RobertNBCLA
#BREAKING: This is the video of vandal defacing @KingJames mural at stroke of midnight this am in #Venice. Video from @BabyBluesBBQ surveillance cam. @Lakers @NBCLA. https://t.co/gNPeUrF8fW

This comes after Basketball Within Borders noted on Instagram a fan offered money for someone to vandalize the mural. Last Word Hoops shared images of the mural and the ensuing vandalism, with James' 3-6 record in the NBA Finals and the words "We don't want you" included in the damage:

LWOS LA Lakers @LWOSLALakers
https://t.co/YFw26ko58G

The drama continued, as Twitter user Godzo Ball revealed a photo on Wednesday with the mural painted over, although that was apparently the work of the artist Jonas Never himself:

GodZo🐐 @GodzoBall
Update on the Lebron Mural in LA.. What is wrong with people? https://t.co/Wivcc14zAl

GodZo🐐 @GodzoBall
Good news guys, the artist who painted the Lebron Mural in LA was actually the one who painted over it (@never1959) Now please stop saying Lakers fans don't deserve Lebron. Most Lakers fans are glad he is a Laker https://t.co/45ZxNK2mgG

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The surveillance video's release is just the latest development in this offseason drama after James elected to sign with the Lakers after reaching the last eight NBA Finals as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

Eventually, attention will turn back to basketball, and the four-time MVP will be tasked with leading the Lakers to the postseason for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign. If he somehow leads the Purple and Gold past the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference, he will deserve more than just one mural in his new team's home city.