A new hype accessory is taking over the internet—and it’s not sneakers or streetwear. It’s a plushie. But not just any plushie: meet Labubu, a gremlin-like doll decked out in a Kobe Bryant hoodie, and currently the most chaotic crossover of collectables, fashion, and NBA nostalgia.
The moment Vanessa Bryant shared the pink Labubu in a Kobe hoodie, it hit a nerve. A sentimental one. For Kobe fans, it felt like a playful, heartfelt nod to his legacy. Meanwhile, for collectors and NBA fans, it was a limited-edition dream come true.
True to hype culture tradition, the Kobe Labubu is hard to get. It wasn’t mass-released; most of its popularity came from social media. That means resale prices are soaring, hundreds of dollars for a plush toy. Platforms like POP MART and third-party resellers are flooded with listings, increasing resale value.
The doll was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Labubu is part of The Monsters, a whimsical picture book series introduced in 2015. The character draws inspiration from Nordic folklore and resembles a mischievous, elf-like creature with pointy ears, wild hair, and a sinister grin.
Moreover, the little gremlins have been spotted with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who’ve been spotted accessorising with the doll. But now, it’s entering a new league, the sneakerhead world—thanks to its Kobe crossover.
Fusing streetwear swagger, basketball greatness, and that signature Labubu mischief, it hits every corner of the hype universe. The Kobe x Labubu plush isn’t your average stuffed toy—it’s a full-blown pop culture crossover.
A limited-edition plush toy featuring Labubu, dressed in a Kobe Bryant hoodie. It’s a mashup of streetwear, collectibles, and NBA nostalgia.
Labubu is a doll created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of The Monsters series.