Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić donated the entire amount requested on a GoFundMe drive to restore a vandalized mural in downtown Los Angeles that was created as a tribute to the team’s late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.
The mural, located on Main Street near West 14th Street, was created by artist Louie “Sloe” Motion shortly after Kobe, Gigi and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
But as of this week, the mural was seen spray-painted over with graffiti, which had depicted Bryant kissing his daughter Gigi on the head. It is unclear exactly when the mural was vandalized, or who was responsible.
A fundraiser for the mural’s restoration was launched by the artist last month. At the time, he noted that the artwork had “faced wear and tear” over the years.
“By contributing to this cause, you are helping preserve a piece of art that continues to uplift and inspire our community,” the artist wrote.
The fundraiser had requested $5,000 to restore the mural. And on Tuesday morning, GoFundMe Communications Manager Alexandra White reached out to Nexstar’s KTLA to confirm that the goal had been reached thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from Dončić.
“I saw your news coverage of the vandalism of the Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural in downtown LA. Reaching out to share that Laker Luka Doncic has donated the $5,000 needed to help the mural fundraiser reach its goal!!” White stated in an email.
Dončić, in a message posted to GoFundMe, explained his motivation for the donation.
“Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally,” he wrote, as seen in a screengrab captured by the artist. “I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.”
As of Wednesday morning, the total donations amounted to just under $6,000.
Kobe and Gigi Bryant died on Jan. 26, 2020, when the helicopter they were aboard crashed into a hillside in Calabasas. The group was traveling to Camarillo, where Kobe was scheduled to coach Gigi’s basketball team.
