Adidas Originals is set to drop its brand new Jabbar Lo x Bruce Lee collection, a unique set of merchandise that honors basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hollywood icon Bruce Lee. The Jabbar Lo, which was Adidas’ first signature shoes in the 1970s, has now returned as a limited edition collection crafted with special details that honors two of the world’s most famous stars, the company said in a press release.
“Through the years, the two were able to generate a seamless connection with one another through a shared love of meaningful dialogues about life, the pursuit of physical and intellectual excellence and their joint interest in understanding not just the what, but the hows and whys within the world that they both lived,” adidas Originals said in a statement.
What is Adidas’ Jabbar Lo x Bruce Lee collection?
The Jabbar Lo x Bruce Lee collection features Abdul-Jabbar’s signature Skyhook logo designed in Gold Foil, as well as Bruce Lee’s famous “kick” logo also designed in gold on the heel. Additionally, the limited edition merchandise features Bruce Lee’s signature and custom insole artwork honoring the two cultural icons.
Adidas’ latest merchandise collection also includes graphic t-shirts—which depicts the time where Abdul-Jabbar was featured in one of Lee’s films. The shirts cost $40 while the Jabbar Lo x Bruce Lee sells for $110. Customers can find the Jabbar Lo x Bruce Lee footwear at Shoe Palace, Extra Butter and other adidas retailers starting on Aug. 30. Adidas plans to launch the merch globally on Sept. 13.
The signature collection will also be available at a three-day pop-up starting on Aug 29. Adidas said its partnering with Shoe Palace to have the event at 425 Gin Ling Way in Los Angeles.
The legacies of Bruce Lee and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Lee, who was only 32 years old when he died in 1973, is celebrated for inspiring thousands of fans as he appeared in dozens of films over the years. Showing off his incredible martial arts skills in his films, Lee inspired people from various backgrounds, including athletes and other performers who aimed to match his passion and work ethic. The Chinese-American star is also recognized for breaking Asian stereotypes in Hollywood as he established himself as a standout director, writer and actor.
Abdul-Jabbar is not only known as a basketball Hall-of-Famer, but also a social justice champion and an award-winning author. As he has been doing for most of his life, Abdul-Jabbar took a stand for human rights in May when he addressed the graduating class at Harvard. The 78-year-old specifically praised Harvard for standing strong despite Donald Trump’s effort to silence the voices of students who speak up for human rights.
“When a tyrannical administration tried to bully and threaten Harvard to give up their academic freedom and destroy free speech, Dr. Alan Garber rejected the illegal and immoral pressures the way Rosa Parks defied the entire weight of systemic racism in 1955,” Abdul-Jabbar said in his message to the graduates, per Harvard. “As I look out over the crowd of eager faces today who are ready to launch their lives of successful careers, I wonder how many of you will also be among the others willing to take Dr. King’s place.”
