- Toy maker Mattel unveiled its inaugural “Kenbassador” doll featuring NBA superstar LeBron James. James is the first male athlete to have his own Barbie doll.
- James collaborated with Mattel on the doll’s design, which the toy maker then donated to the LeBron James Family Foundation.
- The doll will retail for $75 when it goes on sale April 14 but is already pre-selling on eBay for upwards of $450.
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Barbieland will need to find space to build a basketball court, pronto! On Wednesday, April 9, toy maker Mattel introduced a LeBron James doll as its first “Kenbassador” in partnership with the future Hall of Famer.
How did this doll come together?
It’s not the first time James has been an action figure, but it is the first time a male professional athlete has been part of the Barbie collection. As part of the collaboration, Mattel is donating to the LeBron James Family Foundation.
James worked closely with Barbie designers to give the doll some realistic swag, including a varsity letterman jacket with personalized patches and the phrase “Just a kid from Akron” printed on the back. The doll also includes a Family Foundation “We are Family” T-shirt, sunglasses, Beats headphones, a very blingy sports watch and James’ well-known “I promise” wristband.
Why did James decide to participate?
James explained his involvement with the project in a statement released by Mattel.
“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,” said James. “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.”
The doll is even 1 inch taller than a regular Ken doll and sports Nike high-top sneakers and a fanny pack.
What was James’ reaction to seeing the finished product?
The real James, in his 22nd NBA season, is the all-time leader in points scored and currently leading the LA Lakers into the playoffs, which begin next week.
Mattel shared a video of James seeing the doll for the first time. While he approved of the finished product, James did say that the toy “might need to do a little lifting, legs look a little skinny,” adding, “a little frail, little fella. But nah, that’s dope.”
The doll, which is destined to become a collector’s item, goes on sale April 14 and will retail for $75 at Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations. However, it’s already being pre-sold on eBay for upwards of $450.
