April 9, 2025
The doll options a number of nods to James’ legacy on and off the courtroom
Mattel, the corporate behind Barbie, is making a LeBron James doll, the inaugural Ken doll of knowledgeable athlete.
The doll, created in partnership with the LeBron James Household Basis (LJFF), may even commemorate James’ addition because the model’s first “Kenbassador.”
Barbie just lately celebrated its sixty fifth anniversary.
“Ken is Barbie’s longtime finest good friend and supporter,” mentioned Krista Berger, senior vp of Barbie and international head of dolls, Mattel, in a press launch. “We’re excited to carry followers a brand new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a task mannequin, his icon standing, lasting affect on tradition, and dedication to setting a optimistic instance for the following era to succeed in their limitless potential.”
James labored carefully on the doll, from its taller stature than the usual “Ken” and a varsity jacket with patches referencing his Ohio upbringing, and his “23” jersey quantity and the “We Are Household” initiative for his basis.
Underneath the jacket is an “We Are Household” t-shirt. The look additionally options Nike Terminator Excessive sneakers, Beats headphones, sun shades, a fanny pack, in addition to a watch and his “I Promise” band.
Whereas the Kenbassador doll pays tribute to James’ historic profession within the NBA and as a worldwide phenomenon, he defined the doll’s deeper significance.
“As a younger child, I used to be lucky to have position fashions who not solely impressed me but additionally confirmed me what’s doable by means of arduous work and dedication,” James mentioned. “Now, as an grownup, I perceive how important it’s for younger individuals to have optimistic figures to look as much as. That’s why partnering with Barbie to launch the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. It’s a chance to acknowledge the highly effective affect of position fashions who instill confidence, encourage goals, and present youngsters that they, too, can obtain greatness.”
Barbie may even donate to the LJFF to assist its mission of supporting underserved households and youngsters in Akron, Ohio, by means of housing, training, job coaching, and extra.
“For the LeBron James Household Basis and the households we serve, that is a lot greater than a doll. It represents the fact {that a} child from anyplace could make a distinction,” mentioned Michele Campbell, government director of the LeBron James Household Basis. “We’re extremely honored to accomplice with
Barbie to proceed inspiring the following era and to have a good time LeBron’s unwavering dedication to his neighborhood by giving again by means of the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll.”
Barbie may even donate one copy of James’ I Am Extra Than youngsters’s ebook to Save The Youngsters for each LeBron Doll bought at Goal from April 14 to 19. For these within the U.S., the Undefeated retailer in Los Angeles may even host an unique drop on April 12 for followers to snag signed dolls forward of its official launch date.
The doll, which retails for $75, will be accessible for puchase April 14 at Goal, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations.
RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James’ ‘Thoughts The Recreation’ Podcast Companions With Amazon
