Los Angeles is the home to several storied teams and even more sports icons.
But, while the greats draw up plays on the court and on the field, artists bring their magic to life across opportune canvases.
Murals. A fast-growing expression of fandom that Class Act Sports hopes to explore in the coming months.
Here’s a quick look at some of the fan favorites in the City of Angels… Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings and Sparks.
Lakers
Lauded for his attention to detail, Jonas Never was the eyes and hands behind the recent LeBron James mural, a piece that received mixed fan feedback. But, that wasn’t his first Lakers painting. And it certainly won’t be his last. Never has created a handful of purple and gold tributes throughout the city:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk8MQd0lKXO/
A commemoration to Kobe’s curtain call, this colorful JC Ro piece on Melrose has inspired all types of creative and athletic fan poses:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO9ABO5AjwK/
Like Never’s “King of LA” piece, a recent (albeit temporary) modification also became the subject of barber shop discourse. JC has since removed the addition:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BktsCmyBN3Y/?taken-by=jc.ro
We get it. There’s a lot of excitement about Akron’s biggest hero making his way to DTLA. Here’s another from Hashim Lafond, who’s also gifted West LA sports fans a Michael Jordan tribute, just a few steps away:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BneT3KoHieL/?hl=en&taken-by=hashimlafond
Bright and impactful, these life-size Laker characters from LA-native Kai are part of a larger, uplifting mural in West LA. Real selfie fodder for fans of Kobe, Magic and LeBron:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlI5DSgHfKD/
Dodgers
Never has also pulled together a few Dodgers pieces, including this one that features Justin Turner — situated just a short walk from Chavez Ravine:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmE1lnvFECI/
Created by a trio of talented Dodger fans, this piece pays homage to a 2016 Dodgers team (roster listed in the center logo) anchored by Clayton Kershaw and Adrian Gonzalez:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLuWEsyDB6C/
Talented artist David Flores has commissioned a few, original Dodger-themed murals for both Nike’s East Los HQ and Dodger Stadium:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfuVcNHhbG7/?taken-by=davidfloresart
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba-Pj0QDZJj/?taken-by=davidfloresart
Long known for celebrating LA sports through his art, Gustavo Zermeno Jr.’s murals can be found throughout the city (including this article’s featured image). This Vin Scully piece on the back of Marina del Rey’s storied Sports Harbour may be setting sail soon. It’s been rumored the bar is closing soon. We hope GZ Jr’s piece remains:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoSWTTOAzCG/?hl=en&taken-by=gz.jr
Others (non-LA stars)
As much as LA sports fans and artists love their local heroes, they also champion other… well, champions.
Rising artist Jazz Guetta recently added this Serena Williams piece to the outdoor gallery that is Melrose Ave. Its white background and multi-color outline continues to attract visitors – due in great part to what feels like an endless career of a global icon:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnUcaJ2Hy6-/
Speaking of sports debates and legends, LA fans can discuss who they think deserve the GOAT title as they check out this Little Tokyo gem. Also by JC Ro, this perspective piece actually spans across several walls. Those kicks, though:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BflnyhZBT0u/
What are your favorite LA-based sports murals? And, what cities should we feature next?
Let us know in the comments!
