Kobe Bryant appears to be the latest figure linked to the popular Labubu toy line, following a previous Instagram story shared by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, on Saturday. The image has circulated widely online ever since.
The story featured a pink Labubu figure wearing a black hoodie with Bryant’s signature sheath logo. After Vanessa’s story expired, the IG page mambabasketball24 reposted the story, gaining 1,011 likes in 17 hours.
Since its debut in 2015, Labubu has gained significant popularity, seeing a surge in the past months thanks to artist Lisa’s preference for the toy.
Currently, Gen Zs are the leading consumers of Labubu. Artist Kasing Lung made the toy, and its design was inspired by the book series “The Monsters.” It has since been popularized through Pop Mart, a Chinese company known for plush toys and vinyl designer collectibles.
Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the most loved athletes in China, helping spread basketball to the nation. If Labubu releases a special version commemorating the NBA legend, it will significantly boost its sales.
However, no official statements from the Bryants and Pop Mart regarding a collaboration have been made. In all its best, the Labubu outfit posted by Vanessa could be a personal design created for her late husband.
NBA Legend compares rising Thunder superstar to Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant continues to be the gold standard for greatness in today’s NBA, and according to Phoenix Suns legend Steve Nash on Thursday, this season’s MVP, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, is treading in that direction.
During his interview with columnist Bruce Arthur, Nash, a two-time MVP, believes that Gilgeous-Alexander is already surpassing his legacy. Moreover, the Canadian legend believed SGA could be safely placed in comparison with today’s stars with legends such as Kobe Bryant.
“I mean, he’s heading way past me. He’s a historic player already,” Nash said. “I don’t know, he keeps going — one, two, three, four, five best players ever, shows you how amazing a season Shai had, and how galvanizing he is for his team and organization, and how he just continues to get better and better.”
“I think there’s a reluctance, out of respect and admiration, to say names like Jordan and Kobe or whoever, but he does the same thing they do. If you look at the numbers and you break it down, there’s a lot of things he does that are greater than everyone that’s even close to those type of players. So he’s ascending towards that category.”
With the Thunder just three wins away from the NBA Finals, the SGA-Kobe Bryant comparisons may only continue to grow.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.