The iconic basketball player was honored by Mattel, which celebrated his influence as a role model for future generations and showcased the doll donning stylish pre-game attire rather than a basketball uniform.
LeBron James Makes History as First Male Athlete Featured as Ken Doll
LeBron James Makes History as First Male Athlete Featured as Ken Doll
LeBron James has officially become the first male athlete to have a Ken doll made in his likeness, marking a monumental moment in the toy industry.
LeBron James, a trailblazer in the sports arena, continues to break barriers as he now becomes the first male athlete to have a rendition of himself as a Ken doll. Mattel recently unveiled the new figure, reflecting James' stature at 6 feet 9 inches, an inch taller than the standard Ken model. Krista Berger, Mattel's senior vice president of Barbie, expressed that the doll is intended to honor LeBron as a role model who encourages children to aspire for greatness.
While the LeBron Ken doll does not depict him in his basketball attire, it features him wearing a stylish varsity jacket embellished with patches representing his hometown of Akron, Ohio, his jersey number 23, and the phrase "Just a kid from Akron" emblazoned on the back. Accompanying the doll are accessories that include a basketball, headphones, and sneakers.
As Mattel faces economic challenges, including the ramifications of escalating trade tensions with China, this new release signifies a push for greater diversity within the Barbie brand. Although Barbie has previously showcased female athletes such as Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, LeBron's introduction as the first male sports figure marks a significant evolution for the brand.
In a light-hearted promotional video, LeBron responded positively to the doll, exclaiming, "Oh, he dope!" He playfully remarked about the figure needing to "do a little lifting," reflecting his charismatic personality. Beyond his athletic achievements, LeBron relishes this "Kenbassador" title, emphasizing the impact of role models in encouraging youth to chase their dreams.
This pivotal release showcases Mattel's commitment to diversity as they continue to create dolls that resonate with broader stories and inspire young minds around the world.
