LeBron James is making waves again, but this time it’s not just on the basketball court. Mattel has released a new Barbie styled after him, making him the first male professional athlete to be honored with a Ken doll.
Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president for Barbie, expressed excitement about the launch. She highlighted how the doll showcases LeBron as a role model, noting his ability to inspire the next generation. The doll is designed in LeBron’s pre-game outfit and is a bit taller than the average Ken doll, reflecting LeBron’s impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches.
While this release marks a fun moment in pop culture, it also comes at a tricky time for Mattel. The company is facing financial challenges, partly due to rising tariffs on imported goods from China. Recent reports indicate that about 40% of Mattel’s toys are made in China. Increased tariffs, such as the recent announcement from Donald Trump about hiking tariffs to 125%, could force Mattel to raise prices or change its supply chain. Consumer groups are already cautioning that these tariffs could disrupt availability and drive up costs for families.
The LeBron Ken doll features a stylish varsity jacket with “LJ” on the front, an Ohio patch, and his jersey number 23 on one sleeve. The back boasts his name, along with the phrase, “Just a kid from Akron,” paying homage to his roots. Underneath, he wears a shirt that reads “We Are Family,” which nods to LeBron’s community efforts through his foundation. Alongside the doll, fans can find a basketball, headphones, and sneakers as accessories.
In a fun promotional video, LeBron reacted to his doll for the first time, calling it “dope” and even joking that the doll’s legs could use some workouts. He recognized how this honor goes beyond sports. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness,” he said.
This release reflects a broader trend at Mattel to diversify its Barbie line, showcasing a wider range of careers, backgrounds, and body types. While Barbie has previously celebrated female athletes like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, LeBron’s inclusion as the first male athlete highlights a significant shift for the brand.
In a world where athletes often inspire millions, LeBron’s new title as “Kenbassador” carries a powerful message. It’s about recognizing the role models who can truly motivate and support the dreams of young people everywhere.
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