A new mural in Los Angeles captures the moment Kobe Bryant greeted Luka Doncic, reimagining the 2019 meeting with Doncic in a Lakers uniform.
On December 29, 2019, after a Mavericks-Lakers game at Staples Center, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant exchanged a high-five. The encounter took place early in Doncic’s second season, with Bryant sitting courtside alongside his daughter, Gianna.
During the game, Doncic, unaware he was standing in front of Bryant while attempting an inbound pass, suddenly heard someone speaking Slovenian. Turning around, he was surprised to see Bryant smiling. After the game, Doncic reflected on the moment: “I like that he showed love,” he said. “He was talking my language. I saw Kobe talking Slovenian and I was really surprised.”
Following the Lakers’ 108-95 victory, in which Doncic struggled from beyond the arc but still scored 19 points, Bryant greeted him warmly: “My Man! What’s up brother?” Doncic recalled, “I was like, ‘Who is talking Slovenian?’” The two shared a laugh, another handshake, and a hug. Doncic then posed for photos with both Gianna and Bryant.
Tragically, just a month later, on January 26, 2020, Bryant and Gianna were among the nine victims of a helicopter crash in Calabasas.
The newly unveiled mural, located in front of Carrera Cafe on Melrose Avenue in Beverly Grove, depicts Bryant wearing a Lakers gold beanie and purple jacket, though his facial hair remains true to how he looked that night. The artist, Arutyun Gozukuchikyan—known as ArToon—previously created a mural of Bryant and Gianna shortly after their passing.
More than 100 murals honoring Bryant and Gianna are featured in an upcoming book by Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, with photography by longtime NBA photographer Andrew Bernstein. This latest tribute, showcasing Bryant’s brief but memorable connection with Doncic, is a fitting addition.
