A beloved mural in downtown Los Angeles that honors Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi has been defaced for the second time in just over a month, leaving fans heartbroken and the community in disbelief.

The mural, painted by local artist Louie “Sloe” Motion, stands on Main Street near West 14th Street. It has become a powerful tribute since Kobe, Gigi, and seven others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The piece, showing the NBA icon gently kissing his daughter’s forehead, has served as a place of remembrance and reflection for thousands.

(First Time Vandalized Mural - Photo Credit KTLA)
 
The first incident of vandalism occurred on April 29, when large graffiti tags were sprayed across much of the artwork. In response, fans rallied together, launching a GoFundMe to restore the mural. Their efforts got a major boost when current Lakers star Luka Dončić — who joined the team midseason in a shocking 2025 trade — stepped up and personally donated the full amount needed for restoration.

Thanks to that generous contribution, work on the mural began the next day and was fully completed exactly one month later. But heartbreak struck again just days after the restoration: the mural was vandalized once more.

(Second Time Vandalized Mural - Photo Credit KTLA)

As of now, no suspects have been identified in either act of vandalism. It remains unclear whether the artist plans to restore the mural a second time.

The repeated defacement of this powerful tribute has sparked renewed conversation around respect, legacy, and community — and reminded many just how fragile even our most heartfelt memorials can be.