Lakers' Luka Doncic Pays Entire GoFundMe to Restore Kobe and Gianna Bryant Mural

On a sad, overcast day in Los Angeles history, then-41-year-old Lakers Hall of Fame shooting guard Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other souls perished in a Calabasas, California helicopter accident.

In the intervening half-decade, murals, statues, and other monuments to both Bryants have popped up all over the world. Per Emmanuel Morgan and Matt Stevens of The New York Times, there are over 600 murals celebrating Kobe and Gianna Bryant spanning the globe.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Kobe and Gianna Bryant Mural in Los Angeles Vandalized in Random Act

It was a shock for many to discover on Tuesday morning that one such commemorative image, in downtown Los Angeles of all places (the location of Bryant's longtime home arena, called the Staples Center in his era), had been defaced by graffiti, per Joseph Serna and Nathan Solis of The Los Angeles Times.

During a 20-year career with Los Angeles Lakers from 1996-2016, Bryant led the Lakers to seven NBA Finals berths, including five championships. An 18-time All-Star, the 6-foot-6 swingman was also named the 2008 MVP during his run.

A GoFundMe was quickly set up to pay for a full restoration of the mural, located at 1361 Main Street in downtown Los Angeles, and credited to artist Loui "Sloe" Motion.

Now, apparently, a current Lakers star has stepped up to the plate in a big way.

Five-time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic has opted to donate the entire $5,000 being requested on the GoFundMe.

"Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally," Doncic said of his donation. "I'm happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored."

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Has Asinine Quote Regarding Luka Doncic's Impact in Dallas

Doncic arrived to Los Angeles as the result of a midseason blockbuster deal. Alongside 21-time All-Star power forward LeBron James, the 6-foot-6 pro led the Lakers to a 50-32 record and the Western Conference's No. 3 seed. Doncic is eligible for a maximum salary extension this summer with Los Angeles.

The Lakers currently trail the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in their ongoing best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

More Los Angeles Lakers News:

Jack Black Recreates Viral LeBron James Lakers Playoff Moment

Lakers Award Rob Pelinka With New Title and Contract Extension

Lakers Listed as Possible Trade Destination for $97M Star Center

Luka Doncic Had Violent First Reaction to Lakers' Trade

For more Los Angeles Lakers and NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.