A Tribute Beyond Basketball

This Tuesday, Luka Doncic donated $5,000 to support the restoration of a street mural in Los Angeles depicting Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident in 2020. The mural had suffered damage over time, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to preserve it.

The campaign aimed to raise $5,000—and Doncic personally covered the entire amount. Alongside the donation, he released a statement expressing his emotional connection to the late NBA legend.

“Kobe is Los Angeles. He and Gigi meant so much to this city, to the Lakers organization, and to me personally,” said Doncic. “I'm happy to do whatever it takes to ensure they are honored properly,” he added.

A Memory That Lives On

The gesture resonated widely across social media, with fans recalling a now-iconic moment when Doncic, then playing for the Dallas Mavericks, was greeted courtside by Kobe speaking to him in Slovenian. Bryant, accompanied by Gigi, shared a brief yet memorable interaction with the young star during a game against the Lakers.

Now wearing the Lakers jersey and leading the team, Doncic is building his own legacy within a franchise forever linked to Kobe Bryant. Currently sitting third in the Western Conference, the Lakers face a crucial Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Down 1-3 in the series, they have no room for error if they hope to stay alive in the NBA Playoffs.

Beyond the court, Doncic’s donation is a powerful reminder of how legends inspire new generations—and how their memory continues to shape the spirit of the game.