Lakers' Luka Doncic makes touching gesture after Kobe Bryant mural was vandalized
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Luka Doncic made a hugely touching gesture this week after a Kobe Bryant mural in Los Angeles was vandalized.
The mural from artist Sloe Motions (real name: Louie Palsino) - one of many tributes to Bryant and his daughter Gigi following their deaths in a 2020 helicopter crash - featured the Lakers star kissing his daughter's forehead, along with the text 'Mambas Forever.'
But the masterpiece was recently tagged, with white spray paint covering nearly the entire mural, as shared by the Instagram page @kobemural.
And after a GoFundMe was set up to restore the piece - seeking a total goal of $5,000 - Lakers star Doncic swooped in and donated the full amount.
The page shows that Doncic was the second person to donate, following a donation of $15.
A donation of $10 also followed Doncic's.
This mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, was recently vandalized
The mural was tagged and nearly entirely covered with white spray paint
Luka Doncic later donated the entire $5,000 goal of a GoFundMe seeking to restore the mural
'It was always important to give back to the community,' Doncic said after practice on Tuesday, via the AP.
'They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.'
A message on the GoFundMe page from Palsino reads: 'I am reaching out to the community to help restore the beautiful Kobe & Gigi mural that has brought inspiration and unity to so many... 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.'
While Doncic has only been a Laker for a couple of months following his blockbuster trade from the Mavericks, he was actually the subject of a mural alongside Bryant in February.
The piece is a recreation of a picture of them shaking hands following a Mavs game that Bryant attended before his death.
Doncic and the Lakers have been pushed to the brink of elimination in their first-round series against the Timberwolves, as they trail 3-1 going into an elimination Game 5.
The Slovenian is averaging 30.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the series thus far.
Daily Mail
