A beloved mural honoring the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in downtown Los Angeles has been repeatedly defaced, sparking outrage among fans and leading the artist to consider relocating the poignant tribute. The “Mambas Forever” mural, located at 1361 Main Street (near 14th Street), has been vandalized twice within the last month.
The mural, created by Los Angeles-based artist Louie Palsino, also known as “Sloe Motions,” depicts a touching image of Kobe in his Lakers uniform kissing his daughter Gigi, who holds a basketball. It quickly became a significant landmark and a place of remembrance for countless fans following their tragic passing in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The first incident of vandalism occurred on April 29th, when the mural was tagged with black and white spray paint, including profanity. The community rallied around the artist, and a GoFundMe campaign was launched for its restoration. In a heartwarming display of solidarity, current Lakers star Luka Dončić stepped in and generously donated the entire $5,000 needed to restore the artwork.
Sloe Motions diligently worked to bring the mural back to its original state, completing the restoration by May 30th. However, just days later, on June 3rd, the mural was vandalized again, this time with white spray paint scrawled across the entire piece.
The repeated defacement has left the artist deeply disheartened. “Everything happens for a reason and we now want to reach out and get this piece done in collaboration with another business or foundation, all donated by us and no charge to the new location,” Palsino stated. He expressed his hope that a new, more secure location, whether indoor or outdoor, will allow the community to appreciate the artwork without fear of further disrespect.
The incidents have resonated deeply with Angelenos and basketball fans worldwide, who view the mural as a vital part of Kobe and Gianna’s enduring legacy. While the motives behind the vandalism remain unclear, the acts have sparked a wave of condemnation and a strong desire to protect such meaningful tributes. The artist and community members alike hope that the mural’s eventual relocation will ensure its longevity and allow it to continue serving as a powerful symbol of remembrance and inspiration.
