The memory of Kobe Bryant lives on forever. Bryant was one of the greatest players to grace the court, and 5 years later since his passing, the world still hasn’t fully accepted his absence. The Los Angeles Lakers have always paid homage to one of the most prolific players in their team’s history.
The Lakers are struggling to find their footing in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that the players are still capable of doing great deeds while locked in on trying to overcome a 3-1 deficit.
In fact, one of the star players on the Lakers pulled off a heartwarming gesture in memory of Bryant, which made headlines. While Luka Dončić hasn’t been a part of the Laker family for too long, he’s definitely made strides to let the organization know he’s here and a part of it.
Luka Dončić Donates To Restore Kobe Bryant’s Vandalized Mural
In an unfortunate turn of events, someone vandalized a Kobe Bryant mural, leaving it in need of repairs. While the reason behind the vandalism is unknown, it definitely reminds us how some people lack respect for legends and their memory.
With the mural vandalized by graffiti, a GoFundMe was set up with a full $5,000 to help repair it. Dončić took it upon himself to pay the full amount via the fundraising site, a grand gesture in memory of one of his personal favorite players.
Bryant means a lot to Los Angeles, the Lakers organization, and the players. Dončić has been very vocal about his love for Bryant over the years, and while Dončić never got to play against Bryant himself, he played games against the Lakers while Bryant was present.
Although Dončić has bigger concerns with the Timberwolves, taking time to do such a grand gesture could solidify his desire to remain with the Lakers when his contract talk comes up.
Can the Lakers Win Game 5?
The Lakers have taken some tough losses in this first-round series, leaving them down 3-1. The Wolves have had counter punches for everything the Lakers throw at them, including a barrage of LeBron James shots in the 4th quarter. Despite that, the Wolves now have to close out the Lakers, and there are few players better in a closeout game than James.
If Dončić and James come to play, the series will extend. If James and Dončić end up sluggish down the stretch due to their lengthy minutes in Game 4, this series could be over. The Wolves have leaned on their versatility and depth in this series, which has been the difference maker.
The question is, will this be the end of the road for the Lakers in the playoffs? Or will they at least be able to extend their life in the postseason by one more game? The pressure is on for Dončić, James, and the Lakers.