Basketball Superstar LeBron James made history by becoming the first male athlete to have a Ken doll made in his likeness on April 8, 2025.
Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls, introduced the LeBron James Ken doll as part of their “Kenbassador” series, which celebrates famous athletes.
Mattel Vice President Krista Berger said, “Ken has always been Barbie’s best friend, and now we’re celebrating LeBron’s impact on culture and how he sets a great example for kids.”
A series of dolls resembling multiple female athletes, such as Former Tennis Player Venus Williams, was released in May of 2024.
During an interview with The Associated Press, LeBron James was excited about the new doll and shared how important role models were to him growing up.
“As a young kid, I had role models who inspired me and showed me what’s possible with hard work,” LeBron said, “now, I know how important it is for kids to have positive role models, and it’s an honor to be part of the Kenbassador series. This doll helps show kids that they can achieve greatness too.”
The LeBron Ken doll wears sunglasses, headphones, and a blue and white bomber jacket with his initials LJ on the front.
His jersey number, 23, is on the sleeve and there are patches on the jacket that read “Ohio” and “Crown”.
The back of the jacket says “Just a kid from Akron,” a reference to where LeBron grew up.
The doll’s T-shirt says “We Are Family,” which is also the name of the charity he established and the blue sneakers are from LeBron’s Nike collection.
The doll costs $75 and will be available for purchase on Monday, April 14.
“I am excited to have a toy that looks like LeBron James,” said Junior Sophie Mares.
Many basketball fans think it’s great that a famous male player is being celebrated this way.
In a Mattel video, LeBron James sees the doll for the first time. He called it “dope” (which means “cool”) and even adjusted the doll’s accessories, putting its wristband on its arm.
LeBron also joked about the doll’s skinny legs but still said, “That’s dope.”
Mattel Vice President Krista Berger said, “Ken has always been Barbie’s best friend, and now we’re celebrating LeBron’s impact on culture and how he sets a great example for kids.”
