The city of Los Angeles welcomes Lakers -Superster Luka Doncic with a mural of himself and the late Kobe Bryant. The mural is a sincere tribute to both Doncic and Bryant, who met for the first time during an NBA game in 2019.
Before the NBA Handelsdeadline earlier this month, the Lakers, Mavericks and Jazz completed a blockbuster trade with three teams that sent Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas.
The Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Marketf Morris van de Mavericks, while Dallas Davis, Max Christie and the first round of the Lakers 2029 took over.
In addition, the Jazz Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 2025 second round pick from the clippers and the selection of the Mavericks’ 2025 second round.
Los Angeles welcomes Luka Doncic to the Lakers with a mural of the time he met Kobe Bryant for the first time
Bryant retired for three years before Doncic made his debut at the age of 19 in 2018. However, the former First-Rounder was a pretty surprise when the Dallas Mavericks visited the Lakers on December 29, 2019.
That was the third matchup of the regular season series with four games. Bryant-with a dark blue beanie and orange jacket-seat to the judge in the then Staples center with his daughter, Gianna.
The new Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant Mural in La 👀
On 8251 Melrose Ave by Arcoon_art pic.twitter.com/meg16kjpa1
– Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemurals) February 17, 2025
Because Doncic was busy with the game at one point, the All-Star Guard was no idea that he was immediately in front of Bryant while trying to throw an incoming pass.
Doncic heard someone speaking in Slovenian, turned around and Bryant was smiling. He quickly shook his hand before he turned to the field and the ball income.
“I like that he showed love,” Doncic said after the game. “He spoke about my language. I saw Kobe talking Slovenian talking and I was really surprised. ‘
Bryant greeted Doncic after the game Mavericks-Lakers
After the 108-95 victory of the Lakers on the Mavericks in which Luka Doncic scored 19 points, Kobe Bryant greeted the superstar and said, “My husband! How is the brother?”
Doncic replied: “I had something like:” Who talks Slovenian? ” ‘They shared a smile, a different handshake and a hug for a photo with Gianna and then for another with Bryant.
A month later, Bryant and Gianna were among the nine people who died in a helicopter crash in the hills above Calabasas on January 26, 2020.
Bryant’s Beanie is Lakers Gold and his coat Lakers Purple in the mural, but the beard and mustache he wore was accurately depicted that evening.
According to Steve Henson of the Los Angeles TimesThe mural was painted by Arutyun Gozukuchikyan, known as Arcoon. The first mural by the Armenian artist of Bryant was painted a week after his death, on the side of a car rental company along Ventura Boulevard.
