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A mural depicting the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna has been vandalized for the second time in a span of a month. The "Mambas Forever" mural, located in Downtown Los Angeles, was tagged with white spray paint after it was restored to its pre-vandalized state on Friday, May 30.
The mural, created by Los Angeles-based artist Sloe Motions, whose real name is Louie Palsino, was first vandalized in April. Palsino told KNBC-TV that he will now work to move the installation to another location.
"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 said in a statement. "The project will be better than the last with a proper wall, whether indoor or outdoor, for our community and people to appreciate."
The artwork depicts Kobe in his Lakers uniform kissing his daughter Gigi, who holds a basketball. The words "Mambas Forever" are written next to them.
Shortly after the mural was initially vandalized, Palsino established a GoFundMe to help with restoration — and Lakers star Luka Dončić promptly donated the entire $5,000 goal. "Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally," Dončić said in a statement at the time. "I'm happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored."
For Palsino, the incidents are not only marring his own tribute to the basketball icon, but also he fears they are affecting Bryant's legacy.
"We didn't want that disrespect to L.A. right here, and for people to see that, especially Vanessa," he said. "Kobe has brought nothing but light and insight and inspiration to the youth."
