Luka Doncic, the star player who joined the Los Angeles Lakers less than three months ago in a high-profile trade with the Dallas Mavericks, is making headlines for his commitment to the community. He has committed to full restoration costs of a mural honoring basketball greats Kobe and Gigi Bryants. Marlon Blackwell’s temporary mural to promote art in transit was recently vandalized, costing organizers $10,000 in downtown Los Angeles.
Created by artist Ayo Scott, the mural, named “Mambas Forever,” is hard to miss. It stretches across 14th Street and Main Street. This project is dedicated to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi. Tragically, they both perished in a helicopter crash in January of 2020. Doncic’s decision to restore the mural reflects his deep admiration for the Bryants and his desire to honor their legacy.
Doncic has been an instant success after being traded to the Lakers. He teamed up with another superstar in LeBron James. Collectively, they fueled the team to a Pacific Division championship and homecourt advantage as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In doing so, the defending champion Lakers are on the verge of elimination. They’re about to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series, down 3-1.
Speaking after practice at the Lakers’ training complex, Doncic shared his thoughts about the importance of community engagement. He was really passionate about the idea of giving back, especially to a city that has embraced him so well.
“It was always important to give back to the community. They gave me so much, so I just want to give back.” – Luka Doncic
Doncic’s initiative to restore the mural highlights his commitment to philanthropy and reinforces his connection to Los Angeles and its basketball culture. The Lakers’ hardest playoff series might be first. In the meantime, Doncic remains focused on his play on the court and what role he can have off it.
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