Luka Doncic’s viral LA mural
Luka Dončić’s Arrival in Los Angeles Inspires Stunning Lakers Mural
With each stroke of a spray can, artist Arutyun Gozukuchikyan meticulously brought to life a striking mural of Luka Dončić—but in colors he never imagined.
“I never thought he was gonna come to the Lakers,” Gozukuchikyan admitted to ESPN, referencing the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers this month. As shades of purple and gold covered the once-blue jersey, an onlooker snapped a picture, capturing a moment that signaled a new era in Lakers games. Overhead, cotton candy-colored clouds painted the Los Angeles skyline, adding to the magic.
In a city filled with murals honoring Kobe Bryant, this latest artwork stands out—not just as a tribute to the Lakers legend but also as a welcome for a player some fans hope could be the next superstar to lead the franchise.
Lakers vs Mavericks: A Mural That Tells a Story
Situated on Melrose Ave., just 10 miles from Crypto.com Arena, the mural features a powerful moment from a Lakers vs Mavericks game in December 2019. It depicts Luka Dončić and Kobe Bryant sharing a heartfelt postgame high-five—an iconic scene that took place after Bryant famously heckled Dončić in Slovenian mid-game.
“I remember that exact moment. It will always stay in my mind,” Dončić recalled during his Lakers introductory press conference. “Just the fact that Kobe knew my name was incredible for me. I just wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”
As the sun set over Los Angeles, the mural was still a work in progress, but its impact was already taking shape. A passerby shared a photo with Gozukuchikyan, and after a quick AirDrop, the image went viral.
“It was just Luka against this white background, and the sky looked unreal—so vibrant,” the artist said. “I thought, ‘What an epic picture. I have to post this.’ And then, it just took off.”
The image spread rapidly, with the Instagram page @Kobemural—which archives public tributes to Bryant and his daughter Gianna—teasing the unfinished piece in a video that racked up thousands of views.
An Artist’s Passion for the Lakers and Mavericks Rivalry
Gozukuchikyan, 42, has been painting since middle school and remembers sketching in Armenia, his birthplace, before moving to the U.S. at age 5. A Lakers fan since 1992, he felt a deep urge to create something special once the team acquired Dončić.
“Ever since the Lakers-Mavericks trade happened, I was itching to put Luka on a wall,” he said.
His first high-profile piece was one of Los Angeles’ earliest murals of Kobe Bryant and Gianna, which he completed after their tragic passing in 2020. So, when Carrera Café reached out about a potential Dončić mural, he jumped at the opportunity.
Selecting the right image was a challenge. He considered three different shots before allowing the wall’s dimensions to guide his decision.
“A lot of times, the wall picks the image itself,” he explained, emphasizing how the surrounding environment influenced his final choice.
Initially, the teaser image featured Dončić and Bryant against a plain white background, but Gozukuchikyan later decided on a multicolored sunset-inspired design.
“I wanted to pull in the crowd, the blue from the sky. Since the [Paul Smith] pink wall is across the street, I wanted to bring that in too,” he said. “So, in a way, it’s Lakers colors blended with the surrounding hues.”
Even Bryant’s clothing in the mural was modified to align with Lakers colors. In the original game photo, he wore an orange WNBA hoodie and a midnight green Philadelphia Eagles beanie. Gozukuchikyan repainted them in purple and gold, ensuring the tribute remained loyal to the Lakers’ iconic palette.
“I had to give the L.A. colors,” he said.
Fans Flock to the Mavs-Lakers Tribute
The piece required over 100 spray cans, with minor details done by brush. The effort was worth it—fans from up to 50 miles away made the trip to see the mural. One visitor even teared up at the sight of Luka Dončić standing alongside Bryant.
“I think Kobe brings the emotional part, but Luka is very loved,” Gozukuchikyan said.
Unlike most of his murals, which gain traction after completion, this piece went viral mid-process. Gozukuchikyan explained that when a work-in-progress gains exposure, artists feel pressure to finish it quickly—even if they don’t consider it fully done yet.
Still, he welcomed the attention.
While painting, he estimated that 80% of his time was spent talking to people who stopped by to admire the artwork. The mural’s location, directly in front of the famous Paul Smith pink wall, likely added to the foot traffic.
On Monday, Luka Dončić himself shared the mural on his Instagram story, signaling his approval.
Luka Dončić: The Future of Lakers Basketball?
With his arrival, Lakers vs. Mavericks games are bound to take on even greater intensity. Fans are already checking where to watch Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks, eager to see how Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the team will perform in upcoming Lakers games.
Even Nico Harrison, the Mavericks GM who played a crucial role in shaping Dallas’ roster, acknowledged that Dončić’s move to the Lakers would change the landscape of the NBA.
As for Gozukuchikyan, he hopes the mural will make the 25-year-old superstar feel at home in L.A.—and inspire him to bring greatness back to the Lakers.
“Everybody that walks by is on the same page as me,” he said while adding final touches to the piece. “I kind of fell off with the Lakers these last few years, but now, Luka’s going to make it fun to watch again.”
Where to Watch Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks & Stay Updated
Looking for where to watch Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks or catch Mavs-Lakers highlights? Stay updated on NBA scores, Lakers schedule, and more through ESPN NBA scores or live NBA streaming platforms.
With Luka Dončić in purple and gold, Lakers games just became must-watch basketball again.
