Mamba Murals
There is a legendary hero praised in Los Angeles. Take a look around and you will notice multiple paintings on the cityscape of this influential figure: Kobe Bryant, also known as “The Black Mamba”.
Regarded as the greatest of all time, KB was a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships, along with numerous accolades including 18-time All Star selection and named most valuable player (MVP) in the league. He is famous for his quick moves, sharp focus, and “killer instinct”.
Just as the Black Mamba snake is known for being very fast, aggressive, and highly venomous, Bryant saw the metaphorical resemblance to himself. He took on the nickname “The Black Mamba” as his on-court persona. He turned his aggressive, unstoppable mindset into his famous “Mamba Mentality”--an uncompromising philosophy centered on the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and excellence.
He lived that out until his tragic death on January 26, 2020 when he and his daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash. Devastation outpoured in Los Angeles.
As a commemoration to his remarkable life, August 24 was declared a day to be recognized as “Mamba Day.” The date, 8/24, was chosen from his jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Kobe Bryant’s legacy teaches us that true greatness is not in what we do, but in how it echoes beyond us and inspires others, forever. Artists have decorated the city with illustrations of portraits. These iconic landmarks serve as a powerful symbol of inspiration, unity, and resilience to the community. Murals can be found throughout South Park, home to the Crypto.com Arena (then, Staples Center), where he dedicated 20 years of his playing career.
1147 S Hope St. Titled GRANA, “representing the inner greatness we all possess to become the best version of ourselves”, the plaque reads. Sponsored by West Coast Trial Lawyers and located on the side facing 12th St., this masterpiece is a combined work of Odeith (@odeith) and Nikkolas Smith (@nikkolas_smith)
400 W Pico Blvd. Created by artist Louie Sloe Motion (@sloemotions) Located on the building of Hardcore Fitness facing Grand St.
1053 S Hill St. Illustrated by artist Enkone. It can be found on the side of the building on 11th St.
1336 Lebanon St. Painted by Jonas Never (@never1959) Located on back of building on Lebanon St.
By Gina Torretti