LeBron James Makes Historical past as First Male Athlete With a ‘Barbie’ Ken Doll: ‘That is So Cool’

LeBron James is not a stranger to creating historical past, however his newest achievement is not on the basketball court docket or off a buzzer-beater—it is on the toy shelf.

The basketball icon has turn into formally the first-ever skilled male athlete to be immortalized as a Ken doll in a partnership with Mattel’s Barbie franchise.

LeBron James Becomes a Ken Doll for the Culture

According to the BBC, Mattel, the toy firm behind “Barbie” dolls, launched a brand new Ken doll impressed by the four-time NBA champion. LeBron turns into part of the Barbie world as a illustration of cultural influence, management, and constructive affect.

“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice chairman of Barbie, mentioned.

Berger added that the 40-year-old ahead is seen as a job mannequin to advertise the tradition, except for being a “positive example for the next generation.”

The LeBron Ken doll isn’t wearing his typical Lakers jersey. Rather, he is rocking pre-game swag, together with a varsity jacket together with his initials “LJ,” a crown emblem, an Ohio brand, and the quantity 23 on the sleeve. The again boldly states “LeBron” and his well-known quote: “Just a kid from Akron.”

How Does the LeBron ‘Barbie’ Ken Doll Look

What distinguishes this Ken doll from the remainder, except for being an inch taller than common, is consideration to element. The determine stands at over 13 inches to match LeBron’s precise top of 6’9″. The accessories are a basketball, sneakers, headphones, and a “We Are Family” t-shirt, paying homage to his foundation and charitable efforts.

In one promotional video, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrity noticed the doll for the primary time and couldn’t comprise himself. “Oh, he dope!” he exclaimed with a smile. He even made a joke concerning the doll needing leg day, saying, “He might have to do a little lifting.”

Barbie Brand Pushes for Inclusivity and Representation

Mattel’s transfer to convey LeBron James as a Ken doll is a component of a bigger initiative to modernize and diversify its Barbie model. In current years, the corporate has diversified its choices to incorporate a wide range of pores and skin tones, physique sorts, and profession choices.

Female athletes like Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Naomi Osaka have beforehand been honored, however LeBron marks a brand new frontier as the primary male athlete and the primary male determine outdoors of leisure to be featured.

Sports Illustrated reviews that some individuals have already given completely different monikers to the LeBron Ken doll. Bleacher Report calls it “LeBarbie,” whereas others praised the main points for being very near the NBA ahead.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Toy Prices

As the LeBron Ken doll is gaining popularity within the toy enterprise, Mattel has battles behind the scenes. With nearly 40% of its operations in China, the model is coping with growing tariffs from the US-China commerce warfare.

President Donald Trump’s newest tariff improve to 125% may have an effect on toy costs and provide chains, giving rise to attainable adjustments for the model.