Basketball cities around the United States are looking for ways to pay tribute to Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant. However, one specific Kobe-specific mural in Indiana had to be erased from existence due to the terrible artistic value it had.
Based on the images provided by Black Indy Live, the mural was poorly drawn. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a terrible tribute to one of the greatest players to ever lace 'em up in Kobe Bryant. It's been reported that the mural, which was done on a wall of a Marathon Gas station, has since been painted over due to the harsh criticism. One can still make out the outline if inspected carefully enough.
While there were fans who were happy with the mural's removal, a good number of others were furious that they bullied the artist — who was reportedly a teenager — to erasing his tribute for the late Lakers legend.
Local hip hop icon Antonio Maxie called out the people who wanted the sincere tribute removed:
Article Continues Below“It's always [people] that can't do some s**t that's critiquing others' work!! STFU!! Y'all can't even draw not along do grafitti. The Kobe wall definitely ain't the coldest but damn at least they tried!! [People] will kill your spirit if you let [them]!! Hey, but this is social media ain't it…”
Bryant is an influential figure who is beloved by basketball fans throughout the world. Victor Oladipo never met Bryant but was definitely inspired by him. Larry Bird and the Pacers organization also extended their condolences to the Bryants. Reggie Miller, who was Bryant's opponent during the 2000 NBA Finals, was shocked to learn of his loss.
The entire basketball landscape will never be the same, and fans should band together instead of ganging up on a sincere tribute to one of the game's greats.