LeBron James, the legendary basketball player, is the first athlete to have his image featured on a Ken doll.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mattel Inc. debuted the LeBron Ken doll, marking the beginning of the toy company’s “Kenbassador” line. Tennis player Venus Williams is one of nine female athlete Barbies that were shown last year.
“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. “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”, James said.
The doll, which costs $75, was put on sale on Monday, April 14, 2025. It features LeBron wearing sunglasses, headphones, and an unzipped blue-and-white letterman’s jacket with the words “LJ” on the left breast, his number 23 on the right sleeve, and Ohio and crown patches on the other.
His first name is displayed on the back with the words “Just a kid from Akron” underneath, and his T-shirt reads “We Are Family,” a reference to the LeBron James Family Foundation. His blue shoes are, of course, Nikes.
The “King” expressed his approval, repeatedly calling the doll “dope”.
While looking it over, he put an “I Promise” wristband on the doll’s wrist and adjusted the strap on its fanny pack.
“OK, now we ready,” James said. “I mean, he might need to do a little lifting. Legs look a little skinny. Little fraily little fellow. Nah, that’s dope.”
