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LeBron James partners with Barbie to become first athlete Ken doll

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones04/09/25brianjones_93
LeBron James
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

LeBron James will make history again, as he will be the first athlete to be a Ken doll made by the Barbie brand. On Wednesday, Mattel announced that Barbie has partnered with LeBron James Family Foundation to release a doll of the four-time NBA champion.

“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 in a news release. “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 worked closely with the Barbie team to customize the doll’s outfit, which includes a varsity jacket, Nike sneakers, Beats headphones and sunglasses. The LeBron James doll is also one inch taller than the standard Ken doll.

More on the LeBron James Ken doll by Barbie

“Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel, said in the news release. “We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential.”

The doll will make its U.S. debut on Saturday, April 12, at the UNDEFEATED store on La Brea in Los Angeles. A limited advance quantity of the doll will be available to purchase, and some of them will be signed by James. The doll will be available nationwide on Monday, April 14, at select Target stores and online at Target.com, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations for $75.

LeBron James is in his 22nd NBA season. In 68 games this year, the 40-year-old has averaged 24.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and is fourth on the all-time assists list behind Jason Kidd, Chris Paul and John Stockton.