Luka Dončić covered the full cost to restore a vandalized Kobe Bryant mural.

Luka Dončić has generously covered the full cost of restoring a mural of Kobe and Gigi Bryant that was vandalized in downtown Los Angeles. The new Los Angeles Lakers guard donated \$5,000 on Tuesday to meet the goal of a GoFundMe campaign created by artist Louie Palsino to restore the mural titled “Mambas Forever” at 14th and Main streets.

Dončić expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was always important to give back to the community. They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.” The donation comes after Dončić was traded to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks in a high-profile deal less than three months ago. He has since teamed up with LeBron James to help lead the Lakers to the Pacific Division title and secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Kobe Bryant, who spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, was a legendary figure in the franchise, winning five championships and becoming its all-time top scorer. After Kobe and his daughter Gigi tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, numerous murals and public art tributes sprang up around Southern California to honor their memory.