LeBron James is making a fashionable entrance into the world of Barbie.
On Wednesday, Mattel, the makers of Barbie, in collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation, announced that the Los Angeles Lakers star will be the first professional athlete to have a Ken doll released in his likeness.
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel said in a press statement.
Unlike previous James action figures from McFarlane Toys and Starting Lineup that depict him in an NBA uniform, the first NBA Ken doll will feature the future Hall of Famer in an adjustable, multi-accessory outfit worthy of a pre-game entrance to the locker room.
Barbie set out for their James doll to capture his fashion sense off the court and his height on the court. The James doll will be one inch taller than the standard Ken doll. James collaborated with designers at Barbie to coordinate his Ken dolls look, which includes a blue and white “LJ” varsity jacket (patches on the jacket represent his original No. 23 and his Ohio roots), a black LeBron James Family Foundation “We Are Family” T-shirt, sunglasses, Beats headphones, matching blue and white Nike Terminator High sneakers, a fanny pack, a watch and his well-known “I promise” wristband.
“As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” James said in Mattel’s press release. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. 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.”
In a video shared by Mattel showing James’ first reaction to the doll, he expressed his approval of the finished product, but joked, “He (the doll) might need to do a little lifting, legs look a little skinny — a little frail, little fella. But nah, that’s dope.”
The Barbie brand has a long history of catering to adults just as much as children, and with adults now being the fastest-growing groups of consumers in the toy industry, according to Mattel, the James Ken doll, with a retail price tag of $75, seems to be designed with that type of collector in mind.
James’ “Kenbassador” doll will be available at Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations, beginning April 14 at 12 a.m. Eastern.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
(Photos: Mattel)