The Luka Dončić trade may go down as the most franchise-altering move the Los Angeles Lakers have made since acquiring Kobe Bryant’s draft rights in 1996.
The honeymoon period for Dončić is alive and well in L.A., so much so that there’s already been a mural of Dončić exchanging pleasantries with the legendary Bryant.
Lakers Fans React to Luka Dončić-Kobe Bryant Mural
The X account “Luka Updates” posted an image of a mural of Dončić greeting Bryant, though the image is a tad edited since it has Dončić in a Lakers uniform.
Luka Dončić x Kobe Bryant
mural in LA.Source: IG/dropbestie pic.twitter.com/ktaGzkMzT5
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) February 17, 2025
Fans have responded to the mural because of Dončić’s talent and, of course, Bryant’s legacy. One responded, “I get the feeling Kobe is watching over him,” with a prayer emoji along with gold and purple heart emojis.
I get the feeling Kobe is watching over him. 🙏✨💜💛
— Dreamzville (Susie Q) (@Dreamzville) February 17, 2025
Another went even further, writing, “I can now say with all honesty there is a Real LEADER for my @Lakers post-Kobe retirement. Thank you [Dončić for bringing] a Leader back to the Lakers.”
I can now say with all honesty there is a Real LEADER for my @Lakers post-Kobe retirement. Thank you @luka7doncic for bring a Leader back to the Lakers. https://t.co/G60g7gkouK
— Depressed Lakers Fan (@CLF__423) February 17, 2025
That’s a bold claim since the Lakers have had LeBron James for over six years, but Dončić’s talent and youth speak for themselves.
Others appreciated the mural but think it might be jumping the gun since Dončić has only appeared in two games thus far. One wrote, “As much as I love Luka and want him to be successful, a mural seems too soon.”
As much as I love Luka and want him to be successful, a mural seems too soon.
— Christoph Zanzibar (@siniestrodiablo) February 17, 2025
For as good as Dončić is, this mural might be setting the bar a little high. The Lakers must remember that even though they’ve acquired high-profile players in the past, it has backfired before. When they acquired Dwight Howard in 2012, the following season was appropriately called “The Dwightmare.”
Dončić doesn’t have the same reputation that Howard did during his first tenure with the Lakers. There is a strong chance this will work out tremendously for the Lakers, but they shouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch in this case.
However, there is some pure sentimental value here because of Bryant’s legacy with the Lakers. Seeing a Lakers legend greet another one in the making does make trading for Dončić all the more special.
Even if Dončić never wins with James by his side, his presence alone will set up the Lakers’ future for the next decade. Expecting him to win five titles like Bryant did during his time with the Lakers sounds like high expectations, but Dončić has already made an NBA Finals, so nothing should be ruled out.
