In a vibrant tribute to two basketball icons, Los Angeles-based artist Arutyun Gozukuchikyan has unveiled a striking mural on Melrose Avenue. Located in front of the iconic Paul Smith pink wall, just 10 miles from the Crypto.com Arena, the artwork captures a poignant moment between NBA legends Luka Doncic and the late Kobe Bryant. The mural, inspired by a memory from the last Lakers game attended by Bryant and his daughter Gianna in December 2019, depicts the two athletes sharing an iconic postgame high-five. This artistic piece stands as both a homage to Bryant’s legacy and a warm welcome to Doncic as a potential new great in Lakers history.
Gozukuchikyan, a devoted Lakers fan since 1992, has channeled his passion for basketball into his art. From his early years in Armenia, where he began painting in middle school, Gozukuchikyan has always had a penchant for drawing and creativity. His latest mural showcases this lifelong dedication. Created almost entirely with spray cans—about 99.5% of the material used—Gozukuchikyan employed over 100 cans of paint to bring this image to life. Brushes were only used for the minor areas, highlighting his skill and precision with spray paint.
The mural's colorful backdrop mirrors the hues of a sunset, reminiscent of the scene from that unforgettable Lakers game. The artwork was completed swiftly over just a few days, yet its impact has been substantial. Even before its completion, the mural garnered thousands of views on social media, capturing the attention of basketball enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Luka Doncic himself shared the mural on his Instagram story, amplifying its reach and significance.
"I think Kobe brings more [of] the emotion part, but I don't know," Gozukuchikyan remarked when discussing the emotional depth conveyed by his work.
Gozukuchikyan's murals often go viral upon completion, a testament to their emotional resonance and artistic quality. He previously created a mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna that captured widespread attention.
"Everybody that's walking by is kind of on the same page as me," Gozukuchikyan noted, emphasizing the shared sentiment among passersby who connect with the depicted moment's emotional weight.
The mural serves multiple purposes: it honors Kobe Bryant's enduring legacy and aims to make Luka Doncic feel at home in Los Angeles. Gozukuchikyan expresses hope that this visual gesture can inspire Doncic to perform at his best when playing in L.A., potentially becoming part of the Lakers' storied history.
Leave a Reply