A mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi in downtown Los Angeles has been vandalized with white graffiti, making the tribute nearly unrecognizable. Created by artist Louie 'Sloe' Motion, the mural originally depicted Kobe kissing Gigi on the forehead and included elements like a yellow rose and the Los Angeles skyline. The vandalism left the community shocked, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to fund its restoration, although the perpetrators remain unidentified. Kobe Bryant, a Lakers legend with five NBA titles, had retired and was dedicating significant resources to advancing women's basketball, coaching Gigi's youth team before their tragic deaths in a 2020 helicopter crash. The loss of Kobe and Gigi continues to resonate deeply within the basketball community, highlighting Kobe's lasting legacy and Gigi's promising future in the sport that was cut short.

The Kobe Bryant mural, located on Main Street near West 14th Street in Los Angeles, was vandalized with white graffiti, obscuring the likenesses of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, as well as the artwork's other elements like a yellow rose and the city skyline.

Artist Louie 'Sloe' Motion created the mural as a tribute following the tragic helicopter crash in January 2020 that claimed the lives of Kobe, Gigi, and seven others, and depicted Kobe in a Lakers jersey kissing his daughter on the forehead.

Community members were shocked by the defacement of the mural, a beloved local landmark, and a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to gather funds for its restoration, though the responsible parties have not been identified.

Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA as a celebrated player, winning five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and earning the 2008 MVP award, while also investing in the development of women's basketball through coaching his daughter Gigi's youth team.

The basketball world continues to mourn the loss of Kobe and Gigi, with Kobe's influence still permeating the sport and Gigi remembered for her potential as a standout player in her own right, frequently seen at her father's games.

The mural, which has been a symbol of remembrance and inspiration, is now at the center of a community effort to restore its original form, underscoring the lasting impact of Kobe and Gigi's legacy on fans and the city of Los Angeles.

Colin Capece, an editorial intern for The Sporting News, reported on the incident and has contributed to various publications, holding a master's degree in journalism, with a focus on baseball and basketball topics.

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.  

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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.

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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.