A mural depicting Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, has been vandalized, according to KTLA 5.
The mural is located in downtown Los Angeles and was created by artist Louie “Sloe” Motion after Kobe and Gigi were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. It normally shows Kobe kissing his young daughter, wearing a Lakers jersey, on the forehead, but was painted over with white graffiti.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Bryant retired as one of the greatest Lakers in franchise history, winning five NBA titles and the 2008 MVP award during his 20-year career with the franchise.
He was the coach of Gigi's youth team and was making a significant investment of time and resources into growing women's basketball at the time of the helicopter crash.
Here's what to know about the murals depicting Kobe and Gigi.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
What happened to the Kobe Bryant mural?
The Kobe Bryant mural, located on Main Street near West 14th Street in downtown Los Angeles, was found vandalized on Tuesday.
The artwork depicts Bryant and Gigi, as well as a yellow rose and the Los Angeles skyline. It was painted over to the point where it is nearly impossible to see Bryant and his daughter.
Who would destroy a beloved downtown L.A. mural of Kobe and Gigi Bryant? Neighbors horrified to discover the mini landmark covered in graffiti and obscenities. The search for the vandals, plus the push to restore the tagged-up tribute. This morning at 6 from ABC7. pic.twitter.com/OeT7a4d4Wb
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) April 29, 2025
It is unclear when the mural was vandalized or who is responsible, but a GoFundMe has been started to raise funds to help restore the mural.
Authorities have not identified the culprit yet. Beyond the GoFundMe page, it is unclear if there are plans to restore the mural.
What happened to Kobe and Gigi Bryant?
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020. The pilot of the helicopter and six other passengers also died.
In the aftermath, the basketball world mourned the loss of an icon. Bryant's legacy and influence are still felt in every corner of the sport.
Gianna's early years included a visible presence at her father's Lakers games. Before her tragic death, she was charting her own path in the game as a standout youth player.