Just ask Luka Dončić, the Slovenian superstar and future member of the Los Angeles Lakers, who is doing something about it. He has committed to pay the full amount to restore an iconic mural honoring Kobe and Gigi Bryant. The mural, called “Mambas Forever,” was painted on the corner of 14th and Main Streets in downtown Los Angeles.
This announcement follows on the heels of Dončić’s January blockbuster trade that brought the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar to the Lakers. Since joining the team, he has proven an indispensable co-star to LeBron James. Collectively, they’ve led the Lakers to Pacific Division crown and No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
The mural restoration is even more timely and meaningful. Kobe Bryant spent his whole 20-year career with the Lakers, further establishing a mighty icon of a legacy franchise. Sadly, the mural was recently vandalized, inspiring a huge community effort to restore it.
After a practice session at the Lakers’ training complex, Dončić expressed his desire to give back to the community that has embraced him. He stated, “It was always important to give back to the community,” highlighting his commitment to honoring Bryant’s legacy through this act of service.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play an extremely important Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now with the team down 3-1 in the series and facing a potential elimination, Dončić’s efforts to bring the mural back is a tribute to the championship spirit that Bryant fostered throughout the organization.
“They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.” – Luka Dončić
This gesture was hardly a surprise coming from Dončić. It speaks volumes about the close-knit connection between the Lakers and their fanbase. Even as he faces the ever-increasing crucible of playoff basketball, Dončić’s service to the community won’t be missing.